Command and Control of Unmanned Systems for Emissions Control Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations
Abstract
As the Department of the Navy transitions to Distributed Maritime Operations, there is a need to develop new systems, techniques, and procedures to limit the warfighters exposure to an enemy. One of the most prevalent forms of exposure is the radio frequency (RF) footprint generated from the use of command and control (C2) equipment. This research analyzes the warfighter exposure risk created by operating unmanned systems (UxS) in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). To analyze the RF footprint of UxS operations, research is conducted to determine how C2 occurs between the UxS and the operator and how the transmitted data is protected against cyberattacks through security protocols and methods. The research is leveraged to develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and scenarios to investigate how RF footprint changes as the level of UxS autonomy is varied. The CONOPS and scenarios are implemented in a modeling and simulation environment to examine the impact of UxS autonomy level and the security protocol used to protect the C2 link. The simulation results are then analyzed to determine the level of warfighter exposure and cyberattack risks for operating a UxS in EABO and identify a recommended balance between autonomy and situational awareness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224690
Entities
People
- Eric A. Toth
- Kathleen Nuzzo
- Matthew A. Grant
- Matthew G. Hunter
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School