Unmanned Air Systems

What Is It?

Research in unmanned air systems (UAS) focuses on technologies that enable next generation UAS development. Research areas include but are not limited to airframe, propulsion and/or power, mission and operational concepts, testing, avionics and payload services (NBC, RSTA, targeting, EW, distributed systems and weapons).

How Does It Work?

UAS development consists of multiple basic and applied research eff orts that focus on a long-term vision to enable greater UAS persistence/endurance with autolaunch/recovery and auto-refueling capabilities.

What Will It Accomplish?

  • UAS technology will enable persistent, distributed surveillance, and increase warfi ghter operational effectiveness. These UAS capabilities help to reduce the complexity and time lag in the sensor-to-shooter chain for acting on “actionable intelligence.” UAS technology changes the conduct of military operations and enhances Maritime Domain Awareness through extended range and duration.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense has emphasized the coordination of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) research and engineering investments, and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) is playing a critical role in the development of this sense-and-avoid technology.

ONR has performed research, cutting across multiple research areas, such as (but not limited to):
• Demonstrating, via fl ight, the technology for a small, effi cient, heavy-fuel engine suitable for the small tactical unmanned air vehicle and
integrated propulsion system
• Developing algorithms and protocols to support mission-based and platform network auto-confi guration and continuous network
adaptation with minimal human intervention
• Demonstrating air traffi c detection and autonomous UAV collision avoidance technology
• Providing sensor payload operators with an automated capability to detect and persistently track multiple maritime targets around the battle group and in port areas

UAS technology allows warfi ghters to operate in hostile environments with reduced threat exposure.

Research Opportunities:

  • Reconnaissance: The ability see “over the horizon,” electronically or visually and without the use of manned scouts, is a top priority
  • Target inspection, identification and designation: The ability to operate in high-threat environments without putting warfi ghters at risk is not only safer but potentially quicker and more effective
  • Counter-mine warfare: A signifi cant amount of effort is already being expended to improve the military’s ability to fi nd, tag and destroy both land and sea mines
  • Chemical/biological reconnaissance: There is a crucial effort underway to employ systems that fi nd and destroy chemical and biologic agents, and survey the extent of affected areas

Malinda Pagett
(703) 588-1047
malinda.pagett@navy.mil

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