SPARTAN Scout Unmanned Surface Vehicle
Background: Recent attacks by nonconventional and terrorist forces have shown there is a need to address force protection issues of naval assets and shore-based facilities. SPARTAN Military Utility Assessments (MUAs) were conducted in FY 2006 for the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)/ Force Protection (FP) and littoral Mine Warfare (MIW) mission modules, and with ACTD partner, Republic of France, for the Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) mission module. The MUAs evaluated several overarching SPARTAN Scout ACTD goals, including: extending surface and subsurface detection ranges; establishing defensive barriers; reducing risk to personnel and capital assets; serving as a force multiplier/leveler; allowing warfighters to focus limited resources on the application of combat power; and providing the capability to maintain high combat operational tempo. Success: The SPARTAN ACTD demonstrated the military utility of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) as extended sensor and weapons platforms conducting ISR, FP, MIW, and ASW missions in support of naval operations. The open-architecture command and control (C2) element of the Core System will serve as the baseline control system for USVs of all types on the LCS. U.S. Navy LCS Program of Record (POR) will incorporate USV technology developed and matured in the SPARTAN ACTD in the form of specific, self-contained mission packages. These are based on 11-meter USVs to conduct focused mission execution in MW, ASW, and surveillance/force protection. Additionally, documentation developed by the SPARTAN team, including performance specifications, concepts of operation, interface design, training, and maintenance, will serve as the initial baseline for future USV development in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. Current Status: The SPARTAN USV Core System and C2 technology was identified by U.S. Navy Program Executive Office Littoral and Mine Warfare, PMS-420 for transition into the LCS POR. Program POC: Mr. M.K. Tribbie, ODUSD AS&C, 703-601-2124,
[email protected] Year Completed: FY 2006 User Sponsor: U.S. Pacific Command
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Service/Agency U.S. Navy, ODUSD Advanced systems & concepts (AS&C)
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