DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND ASSESSMENT OF MERCHANT AND MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND DEFENSE AGAINST UNMANNED VEHICLES

Abstract

Advanced warfighting techniques of the modern age consists of a variety of new technology, especially in the field of unmanned systems. Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are an outstanding problem in current conflict, inflicting damage and destruction to the merchant and Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship fleets. The project proposes alternative solutions for combatting such USV and UAS threats, with a focus on the implementation of a system of systems in threatened areas for defensive purposes. Through a series of research, analysis and design, a two-layered defensive system of systems is proposed as an effective and cost-considered implementation to the fleet. The analysis includes considerations of current and future technology, followed by simulation and modeling of the capabilities, ultimately producing a determination of survivability and effectiveness. The results are included in a thoughtful analysis on alternatives for defense of merchant and MSC ships under attack by unmanned systems.