Cyber-Physical Systems Challenges for UAVs: Defense Industry Insights

Pedro Cordeiro Povoa Cupertino; Adam Carlton Lynch

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Conference: 2025 ASEE -GSW Annual Conference
Location: Arlington, TX, Texas
Publication Date: March 9, 2025
Start Date: March 9, 2025
End Date: March 11, 2025
Page Count: 11
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--55040
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/55040
Download Count: 17

Paper Authors

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Pedro Cordeiro Povoa Cupertino Wichita State University

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PEDRO CORDEIRO POVOA CUPERTINO is pursuing a BS in Aerospace Engineering at Wichita State University. He is a Research Assistant and CAD (Computer Aided Design) Instructor at the National Institute for Aviation Research, with research interests in Lean, CAD/CAM, Systems Engineering, Project Management, and Entrepreneurship. (ORCID 0009-0001-1005-7962)

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Adam Carlton Lynch Wichita State University orcid.org/0000-0001-9495-1605

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ADAM CARLTON LYNCH received the BS and MS degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California. He received his Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Management (part of Arizona State University). He completed a PhD in Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering (ISME) from Wichita State University (WSU) in Kansas. Dr. Lynch has 30 years of global industry experience, particularly aerospace. Dr. Lynch now serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in the Applied Engineering department and as an Adjunct in ISME at WSU. His research interests include Engineering Education, Leadership, Mentoring and Lean Six Sigma.

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Abstract

Objective: This paper identifies the challenges faced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in advancing Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It analyzes focus areas in CPS development and provides strategic guidance for future industry efforts.

Background: Cyber-Physical Systems and UAVs have reshaped modern military operations, supporting critical tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and mission planning. Despite increased budget allocation for Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDT&E), addressing other nations’ threats remains a significant challenge. Also, the confidential nature of defense programs limits the level of detail available in reports, making it difficult for industry stakeholders to identify priority areas and align their efforts effectively with defense objectives.

Methodology: This research analyzes DoD reports, including the Cyber Strategy Summary, budget requests, and RDT&E program data, while also incorporating industry insights. A curiosity-driven approach inspired by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) was used to evaluate systemic relationships in DoD documents. Epistemic curiosity guided the identification of resource patterns, while diverse curiosity aligned challenges with critical defense objectives. Data visualization tools were used to present findings clearly. Results: The analysis identifies six challenges in CPS for UAVs. Between them, security, dependability, and sustainability are associated with a great part of the RDT&E budget allocation. While progress has been made, these areas remain essential for addressing current and future threats. Investments in these domains support the DoD Cyber Strategy goals and reflect priority areas in government funding.

Conclusion: To strengthen CPS in UAV technologies, the defense industry must prioritize advanced cybersecurity measures, ensure reliable and continuous operations, and develop sustainable systems for long-term effectiveness. By focusing on security, dependability, and sustainability, next-generation Cyber-Physical Systems can reinforce national defense, counter evolving threats, and maintain the United States' advantage in military operations.

Citation
Format

Cupertino, P. C. P., & Lynch, A. C. (2025, March), Cyber-Physical Systems Challenges for UAVs: Defense Industry Insights Paper presented at 2025 ASEE -GSW Annual Conference, Arlington, TX, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--55040

TY - CPAPER
AB - Objective: This paper identifies the challenges faced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in advancing Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It analyzes focus areas in CPS development and provides strategic guidance for future industry efforts.

Background: Cyber-Physical Systems and UAVs have reshaped modern military operations, supporting critical tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and mission planning. Despite increased budget allocation for Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDT&amp;amp;E), addressing other nations’ threats remains a significant challenge. Also, the confidential nature of defense programs limits the level of detail available in reports, making it difficult for industry stakeholders to identify priority areas and align their efforts effectively with defense objectives.

Methodology: This research analyzes DoD reports, including the Cyber Strategy Summary, budget requests, and RDT&amp;amp;E program data, while also incorporating industry insights. A curiosity-driven approach inspired by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) was used to evaluate systemic relationships in DoD documents. Epistemic curiosity guided the identification of resource patterns, while diverse curiosity aligned challenges with critical defense objectives. Data visualization tools were used to present findings clearly.

Results: The analysis identifies six challenges in CPS for UAVs. Between them, security, dependability, and sustainability are associated with a great part of the RDT&amp;amp;E budget allocation. While progress has been made, these areas remain essential for addressing current and future threats. Investments in these domains support the DoD Cyber Strategy goals and reflect priority areas in government funding.

Conclusion: To strengthen CPS in UAV technologies, the defense industry must prioritize advanced cybersecurity measures, ensure reliable and continuous operations, and develop sustainable systems for long-term effectiveness. By focusing on security, dependability, and sustainability, next-generation Cyber-Physical Systems can reinforce national defense, counter evolving threats, and maintain the United States&#39; advantage in military operations.
AU - Pedro Cordeiro Povoa Cupertino
AU - Adam Carlton Lynch
CY - Arlington, TX, Texas
DA - 2025/03/09
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - Cyber-Physical Systems Challenges for UAVs: Defense Industry Insights
UR - https://peer.asee.org/55040
DO - 10.18260/1-2--55040
ER -