Feasibility of Indirect Fire for Countering Swarms of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
Abstract
Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology struggles to keep up with the evolving threat posed by drones. This threat is compounded by the advent of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) operating together to accomplish tasks as an autonomous entity known as a swarm. The miniaturization of these devices, coupled with rapid growth in their capabilities, presents a challenging problem that must be addressed. This work explores the design of a counter-swarm indirect fire capability within the existing Marine Corps ground-based air defense and fire support framework. In doing so, this thesis presents a novel solution by defining the parameters of an artillery shell with effects designed to disrupt SUAS operations. Such a shell would target the electromagnetic spectrum vulnerabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) by utilizing expendable jammers delivered as a payload in a cargo-carrying projectile. This capability is likely to be effective against the swarm threat and can be used from the rear in support of units under SUAS attack anywhere within range of the artillery piece.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1114696
Entities
People
- Matthew D. Parsons
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School