An Operational Effectiveness Analysis on Manned-Unmanned Teaming Using Weaponized Unmanned Vehicles Urban Terrain
Abstract
In recent years, militaries have strengthened efforts to integrate unmanned technologies to improve manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. As some countries' fighting-age populations are decreasing, militaries are turning to readily available, cost efficient, and sophisticated unmanned technologies. MUM-T holds great potential not only to alleviate manpower shortages in militaries, but also to improve combat capabilities. This thesis studies the effectiveness of MUM-T at the frontline, down to infantry teams supporting offensive operations in urban terrain. An agent-based simulation is used to model a MUM-T combat operation with and without an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to support an infantry company. An analysis was conducted on more than 76,800 simulated battles. It was observed that MUM-T concepts could dramatically increase combat effectiveness, as assessed by increased enemy casualties. The UGV reloading time, weapon accuracy, and own force structure were also observed to significantly impact the infantry's lethality and survivability. This analysis concludes that implementation of MUM-T at the small-unit tactical level has great potential to enhance overall combat performance. Moving forward, combat models could be integrated into future military exercises such that the findings from simulations can be verified and validated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1201677
Entities
People
- Boon K. Phua
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School