Roles of Unmanned Vehicles

Abstract : Over the past 20 years there has been a proliferation of unmanned vehicle (UV) research and development efforts and programs. Accordingly, the NRAC was asked to assess potential concepts of operations and employment across all naval missions with respect to unmanned vehicles. Specifically the panel was tasked to examine fleet needs, requirements, and desired capabilities and recommend which concepts are considered to have the greatest potential to improve warfighting capabilities and effectiveness, and reduce manpower and operating costs. The panel arrived at the following conclusions: 1) the combat potential for the use of unmanned vehicles is virtually unlimited; 2) quantitative analysis and metrics are lacking; 3) Naval programs are not coordinated or focused; 4) lessons learned are not institutionalized; 5) cultural and policy obstacles exist. From those the following recommendations are made: 1) create an integrated UV Master Plan; 2) conduct independent quantitative analysis; 3) institutionalize lessons learned; 4) create an integrated management structure to acquire UVs; 5) establish a policy for open systems architecture, modular design approach, and common man/machine interfaces; 6) focus on technology obstacles for next generation UV deployment.