An analysis of the Tactical Unmanned Vehicle Light during urban combat operations using the Janus Combat Model

Abstract

The shift of the world's population to the cities has caused the military to increase its focus on urban terrain. The same Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures that are effective on an unconstrained battlefield are not effective in an urban environment. Using technological advances, it may be possible to replace flesh and blood soldiers and marines with metal and plastic surrogates to perform the Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition mission. Since these unmanned vehicles and the tactics to employ them are still in the concept development phase, they are not widely tested yet for their utility in tactical scenarios. This thesis will examine the detection capability and survivability of a Tactical Unmanned Vehicle Light in an urban environment. The data is generated through multiple combat simulations using the Janus combat model and is analyzed using statistical techniques. The result benefits the Unmanned Ground Vehicle/System Joint Project Office in their acquisition process and both the United States Army and Marine Corps in their development of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for employment of unmanned tactical systems in urban warfare