A notional scenario for the use of unmanned system groups in littoral warfare

Abstract

The navy recognizes the value of unmanned systems and has begun to invest significantly in the research and development of unmanned and autonomous agents for navy missions. The technologies are maturing rapidly which would enable rapid, widespread introduction into the fleet. Future unmanned systems would be used both as semi-automated systems with significant operator supervision and as fully autonomous systems capable of performing entire missions without real-time operator assistance. These autonomous agents would be deployed in significant numbers and operate cooperatively to accomplish complex missions in the littoral (coastal) region. This paper would present a notional future scenario that would involve the operation of groups of unmanned systems. This scenario utilizes all types of unmanned systems (underwater, surface, ground, and air) to support an amphibious landing. The overall goal of the scenario is the identification of a clear path from a deep water area to the beach. The detection and localization of mines and/or obstacles in the littoral region is the goal of the unmanned system groups. The impact of multiple unmanned systems on this scenario are explored.