Autonomy for Naval UAVs and UCAVs: Synergies Between the Autonomous Operations, Naval UCAV, and Multi-Role Endurance Naval UAV Projects

摘要

This paper provides an overview of four significant Naval UAV or UCAV sciencernand technology or requirements definition projects currently underway or planned, andrndiscusses the synergies between them. UAV Autonomy, a core project within thernAutonomous Operations Future Naval Capability program in the Office of NavalrnResearch seeks to develop and demonstrate technologies which will greatly increase thernautonomy of Naval UAVs in the areas of intelligent autonomy, sensor data processing,rnand communications. The transition targets for this project are the Naval VTUAVrnsystem, the Tactical Control System, and future Naval UAV and UCAV systems. UAVrnPropulsion, another project within Autonomous Operations, seeks to develop andrndemonstrate a flight worthy demonstration engine for future Naval UAVs. The transitionrntargets for this project are the Naval VTUAV objective requirements, potential futurernNaval Multi-Role Endurance UAV (if determined to be a Naval requirement), andrnpotential future Naval UCAVs (if determined to be a Naval requirement). Naval UCAV,rna joint DARPA/Department of the Navy advanced technology program, seeks to leveragernthe various technologies, processes and system attributes developed by thernDARPA/USAF UCAV ATD for Naval applications. The Multi-Role Endurance NavalrnUAV requirements definition effort, underway in the Program Executive Office for StrikernWeapons and Unmanned Aviation, seeks to define the requirements for a next generationrnNaval UAV system capable of providing those capabilities envisioned by the Naval UAVrnRoadmap and Long Range Plan.