Submarine combat systems engineering project capstone project

Abstract

The Combat Control System (CCS) construct developed using a systems engineering approach, when implemented, will provide significantly increased levels of automation. This high level of automation, will allow a reduction in manpower from 48 in the current Virginia operational base-line to 23 with four CCS operators per shift and an average utilization of 34.1% . This 52% reduction in manpower utilization will provide a more rested and effective crew, increasing safety of ship, while potentially saving the Navy $4 1.7 million per year. One current thrust for the technical community within the United States Navy Submarine Force is how the technical community can sensibly implement Reduced Total Ownership Cost (RTOC) ensuring affordability of the next generation Submarine CCS. Since the submarine platforms play a significant role in the theater level engagement chain, the submarine combat system effectiveness cannot adversely impact the success of the overall theater level engagement chain. A central theme of our research is to show the effects that lowering combat system manning has on the overall effectiveness of the submarine engagement chain. To assess the submarine combat system effectiveness, this project evaluates the functional data flow through the detect to engage scenarios to evaluate the changes in the level of man versus machine and the system parameters to determine the feasibility of replacing personnel with automated data processing systems, logic and algorithms.