If I were prioritizing BiB sales to the USMil (I am leaving out DHS like Coast Guard or Border Patrol), I would prioritize:
Army
Marines
Navy
If I were prioritizing Argus sales and spiral development, I would prioritize:
Air Force
Marines
Navy
The Marines have much more intrinsic air capability than the USArmy and would be my second choice after the Air Force.
The Navy has two disadvantages at the moment for the Argus IMO. One is that they are lagging in UAS compared to the USAF IMO. The X-47B launch and landing are encouraging. If you watch the videos closely, the deck handler is using a system that EWA and our company competed on but lost--controlling the UAV with sleeve mounted controls.
The second disadvantage is the fleet moves FAST compared to the Argus. Some adaptations would be necessary for fleet sales IMO but the Argus' ability to resist Munk load and weather sheers would make it a strong competitor for Naval persistent LTA. For example, I could picture it shutting down in a surprise squall to let the wind drive her passively, and then, with on-board intelligence, when the weather clears she powers up a sat tracker and floats along waiting for a ship to come by to pick her up. That is a robust asset. But that work would need done and I think the USAF connection should be worked first. JMO Great question, though. Thanks MM. Best regards always, IJO
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