LOCUST

Abstract

The Low-Cost Uav Swarming Technology (LOCUST) demonstration is part of the Department of Defense (DOD) Third Offset Strategy as one element in the Effector Grid category for small autonomous systems. LOCUST leverages the BA-3 Innovative Naval Prototype program developing and demonstrating swarming technology. The BA-3 effort is developing both the air vehicle, UAS swarming behaviors, and miniaturized sensor systems. ONR has demonstrated an autonomous system capable of launching 33 UASs in 40 seconds and flying them in a coordinated swarm. This BA-4 effort is trailing the BA-3 demonstration of technologies by a fiscal quarter and then demonstrating the technology in operationally relevant environments with military mission applications. Due to limitation of funding, FY 2018 accomplishments were limited to just the planned warfighter workshops and program planning. The LOCUST budget and schedule have been adjusted accordingly to reflect this situation. To achieve ability to operative in relevant environment with military applications, the LOCUST effort is ruggedizing the air platform to survive extended deployments in high shock and vibration environments while in the launchers as well as in-flight for adverse electromagnetic and weather conditions. Significant additional effort is being done to integrate the air platform, command and control, and launchers into and onto several different manned and unmanned host platforms for mission deployment. Scale-up considerations for manufacturing and supply-chain assurance/vulnerability are being pursued.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 3423_0603382N_4_1319_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Aerial Unmanned Vehicle Swarm Micro Periodontal Dentistry.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - Autonomous System Control
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control