UUV master plan: a vision for navy UUV development

Abstract

At the request of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN-RDA), The Navy Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) Master Plan was prepared, outlining recommended development pathways for UUV systems and technologies for the next decade and beyond. An overall vision of UUVs as integral parts of the battle force is portrayed with four signature capabilities seen as critical to both near term and long term goals. The Maritime Reconnaissance capability provides the means of gathering information from designated areas in a timely and covert manner. Undersea Search and Survey serves both the need for tactical oceanographic data and mine reconnaissance/neutralization. UUVs can also be employed as Navigation/Communication Aids, providing valuable connectivity in the realm of network-centric warfare. Finally, Submarine Track and Trail will provide new capabilities for target engagement. The technologies required to accomplish these missions were surveyed, and a programmatic roadmap was prepared to develop those capabilities determined to be on the critical paths for implementation.