Unmanned Vehicle Initiatives to Expand the USW Battlespace
Abstract
This paper discusses the current development challenges and unmanned vehicle technology demonstrations for two on-going unmanned vehicle initiatives for expanding the battlespace for USW: MANTA unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV's) and SPARTAN unmanned surface vehicles (USV's). Modular payload designs common to both UUV and USV efforts enable rapid reconfiguration for numerous missions including ASW, ISR, SSTD, counter-SOF, MIW, cruise missile defense, etc. while the SPARTAN USV is envisioned as a high-speed, long endurance platform performing operations after hostilities break out, the MANTA UUV capitalizes on endurance in clandestine operations performed during the pre-hostilities phase. Operation synergy is gained with acoustic communications (ACOMMS) which would permit subsurface forces to remain clandestine for the duration of the mission. The modular MANTA technology test bed offers reduced operating cost, supports large size payloads, and provides extended operation using low cost energy sources. Both MANTA and SPARTAN will be primary asymmetric force levelers enabling the battle force commander to match inexpensive threat capability with an appropriate response. Inherent netcentricity increases USW effectiveness by providing expanded sensor coverage in areas where other assets are difficult to deploy or where risk to manned platforms is unacceptable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377668
Entities
People
- John S. Lisieqicz
- Vittorio Ricci
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center