US Navy develops vision for unmanned capabilities as part of Future Surface Combatant Force

摘要

Technology maturation work completed to date under the US Navy's Surface Capability Evolution Plan has identified a Future Surface Combatant Force (FSCF) mix which would include a Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) and a Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV) alongside a Large Surface Combatant, a Small Surface Combatant and a common Integrated Combat System.Work is proceeding in parallel on the development of an Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA) that is intended to promote autonomy commonality and reduce acquisition costs across surface and undersea unmanned vehicles.The Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406) in the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has already commenced engagement with government organisations and industry on both the MUSV and the UMAA.In the meantime, PMS 406 is working closely with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) as it continues trials with the testbed medium-displacement USV (MDUSV) Sea Hunter, it is anticipated that Sea Hunter will be transferred to PMS 406 control in due course.Concept development and wargaming activities underway since 2016 have seen the nascent Future Surface Combatant evolve into a family of FSCF systems embracing both manned and unmanned platforms. Enhanced lethality, distribution of forces, human-machine teaming and integration of effects, were common themes identified during early assessments.