December 13, 2013

Process Over Platforms

A Paradigm Shift in Acquisition Through Advanced Manufacturing

By Aaron Martin and Ben FitzGerald

In their new report, Process Over Platforms: A Paradigm Shift in Acquisition through Advanced Manufacturing, Dr. Aaron Martin and Ben FitzGerald address concerns about the U.S. ability to maintain its current technological advantage.  Dr. Martin, a Director of Strategic Planning at the Northrup Grumman Corporation, and Mr. FitzGerald, who heads the Technology and National Security program at CNAS, argue in this latest CNAS Disruptive Defense report that emerging technologies and concepts can ‘‘change the game” in combat aircraft acquisition.  They maintain that Unmanned Aircraft Systems with shorter development and production schedules and reduced costs can be built to meet operational requirements by drawing on several emerging technologies such as 3-D printing (or additive manufacturing), integrated robotic assembly and digital design technology.  The authors urge the United States to make investments in these capabilities, stressing that “if we do not innovate boldly, others will.”

Authors

  • Aaron Martin

  • Ben FitzGerald

    Adjunct Senior Fellow, Defense Program

    Ben FitzGerald is a partner at Lupa, a private investment firm, and an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). At Lupa he leads the firm’s inve...

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