TERN UAS

Abstract

This program was established to develop technologies to allow for their evaluation in the Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) construct to support requirements refinement for aviation support to current and future surface combatants to include the Future Surface Combatant (FSC) program. This program conducted studies and analysis of requirements to determine the most effective allocation of mission requirements to aviation platforms and between manned and unmanned platforms to enable future DMO and FSC operations. Areas of analysis included, but were not limited to, over-the horizon communications, targeting, distributed maneuvering, manned-unmanned platform mix, and optimized sensor payload configurations to satisfy DMO mission gaps. The program demonstrated organic shipboard platforms capable of providing persistent 24/7 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, early warning, and anti-surface strike capabilities at long radius orbits. To achieve these goals, the program investigated new concepts for aircraft launch and recovery, logistics, and maintenance in maritime operating conditions. This effort assisted in funding mission utility technical assessment of a Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MALE UAV) technology demonstrators intended for surface combatants. This program conducted advancement and experimentation of the enabling sensor technologies required to operate in the DMO environment, such as demonstrating sense and avoid sensors and autonomy software in real world environments and advanced ice detection systems to avoid potential loss of aircraft when operating at extreme ranges. Additionally, the project supported prototype development and fleet experimentation of other mission payloads required for DMO gaps.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2021
Source ID
3429_0304240N_4_1319_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

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