UNMANNED LOW-PROFILE VESSELS: “NARCO SUBS” FOR CONTESTED LOGISTICS
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Authors
Sierra, Sergio A.
Subjects
narco sub
low-profile vessel
LPV
semi-submersible vessel
SSV
drug trafficking organization
DTO
unmanned low-profile vessel
ULPV
Next Generation Threat System
NGTS
design
digital
modeling
simulation
contested logistics
COTS
acquisitions
military
attritable
environment
EABO
DMO
materiel
industry
small business
acquisition strategy
concept of employment
CONEMP
enterprise architecture
EA
command control and communications
C3
analysis of alternatives
AoA
low-profile vessel
LPV
semi-submersible vessel
SSV
drug trafficking organization
DTO
unmanned low-profile vessel
ULPV
Next Generation Threat System
NGTS
design
digital
modeling
simulation
contested logistics
COTS
acquisitions
military
attritable
environment
EABO
DMO
materiel
industry
small business
acquisition strategy
concept of employment
CONEMP
enterprise architecture
EA
command control and communications
C3
analysis of alternatives
AoA
Advisors
Brutzman, Don
Jones, Raymond D.
Didoszak, Jarema M.
Canan, Mustafa
Date of Issue
2024-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This research uses both qualitative secondary research and quantitative modeling and simulation to explore the concept of unmanned low-profile vessels (ULPVs) as a solution to contested logistics challenges for the U.S. military in the Indo-Pacific. ULPVs are an unmanned variation of low-profile vessels (LPV), commonly referred to as “narco subs,” which are extensively used by drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) for transporting illicit goods. LPVs are effective at evading interdiction, partly due to their difficulty to detect, and are manufactured quickly with low-skilled labor and at low cost. This research uses modeling and simulation tools, including the Next Generation Threat System (NGTS), and found a significantly lower probability of detection by People’s Republic of China (PRC) assets of ULPVs than other logistics vessels. This research finds ULPVs as an effective solution to enhance the U.S. military’s operational capabilities in a contested environment. This research documents possible ULPV concepts of employment (CONEMPs), challenges for ULPV design, and numerous ULPV design considerations, including enterprise architecture (EA), command, control, and communications (C3), navigation, big data, and susceptibility. Finally, this research documents considerations for defense acquisition of ULPVs and informs an analysis of alternatives (AoA) for a materiel solution supporting contested logistics.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
Funder
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.