Capability Analysis of Ship-Based UAS for Polar Operations
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Authors
Hale, Britta
Subjects
unmanned aerial systems
UAS
Arctic operations
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
ISR
search and rescue
SAR
cyber security
intelligence operations
extreme environments
security protocols
legislation
polar regions
secure communications
UAS
Arctic operations
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
ISR
search and rescue
SAR
cyber security
intelligence operations
extreme environments
security protocols
legislation
polar regions
secure communications
Advisors
Date of Issue
2020-02-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
With the current emphasis on Arctic operations, this research investigates the operational capabilities of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) used for search and rescue (SAR) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in polar extremes. The Arctic region presents complex and unique challenges with technological advancement and capabilities assessments. These challenges include radio frequency (RF) propagation, intermittent satellite communication (SATCOM) coverage, environmental constraints, limited payload of group 1–3 UAS assets, communications security protocol optimization, and legal restrictions.
Given the increasing geopolitical relevance of the region, the U.S. Navy (USN) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) must enhance their operational effectiveness in this extreme environment. Our methodology, through extensive literature reviews, theoretical modeling and simulations, comparative analysis, and legal analysis provides recommendations for current and future deployments. The study delivers an early developmental stage enhanced decision-making framework (EDMF) that optimizes UAS selection based on environmental parameters, mission requirements, and security considerations. This framework includes an Arctic battery performance calculator as well. We also provide extensive cyber security analysis and a protocol-to-frequency analysis through simulations for the best cyber resistant capabilities for UAS-based fleet use. Additionally, the study provides a legal analysis for Arctic operations. This research comprises three subprojects: A Capability Analysis of Ship-Based UAS for Arctic Operations (Craft et al., 2023), Legal Analysis of Ship-Based Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Operations in the Arctic (Lesse, 2024), Security of UAS Communication Channels in the Arctic and Its Impact on Intelligence Operations (Mazzuco, 2025).
Type
Report
Description
NPS NRP Executive Summary
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFLTFORCOM)
Funder
This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrp
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Format
5 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
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.