Developing Autonomy within a Multi-Domain UxS Network Control System [video]

Abstract

Power projection, domain awareness and area denial have fundamentally changed with the advent of unmanned systems. Unmanned Aerial, Surface, Ground and Undersea Systems (UxS) can be used effectively to bring forces from sea to shore. To gain greatest utility from such a system, one must take advantage of the inherent strengths while mitigating the weaknesses associated with the sensing, mobility and communications of each of the individual platforms. Additionally, the UxS should be adaptable in its ability to support on ground forces through distributed or centralized control. This research initiative views the UxS as a single system – a Network Control System (NCS). The research question is how to develop a mathematical and experimental framework for the NCS that supports the development of autonomy within the system. Central to the effort is the communications topology. It determines the ability to spread information throughout the network. It is not necessary that all components of the system be connected at all times, only that information is transmitted through the network in a methodology that effectively supports mission objectives. This presentation describes upcoming CRUSER experimentation at San Clemente Island (SCI) which seeks to demonstrate an initial UxS using a mesh communications infrastructure. It will describe an initial hierarchical approach that combines optimal trajectories of UxS collaborative components with coordination for optimizing communications between aerial vehicles. The experiment is designed to support a Naval Special Warfare Maritime Operations mission objective with COMTHIRDFLT distributed fire support.