Closing the gap between research and field applications for multi-UAV cooperative missions

The ability to fly multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in collaboration has the potential to expand the scope of feasible UAV missions and could become the backbone of future UAV missions. However, despite having garnered significant research interest, there is no indication that systems supporting collaborative operation of multiple UAVs are close to achieving field deployment. The challenge of successfully deploying a quality system is inherently complex, and systems engineering offers an approach to handle the complexities. Effective application of systems engineering requires both knowledge breadth and depth. This thesis presents the results of a consolidation of information intended to support the conduct of systems engineering activities; and describes an experiment to ascertain the sensitivities of some key operational parameters, e.g., acquisition, pointing, and tracking. The experiment was conducted using Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADS-B) and visual tracking equipment employing state-of-the-art technology to understand the operating challenges and requirements of using this equipment to provide situational awareness for a UAV pilot.http://archive.org/details/closinggapbetwee1094537730Systems Engineer, ST Aerospace Ltd.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Viable short-term directed energy weapon naval solutions: a systems analysis of current prototypes

With conventional weapons nearing their peak capability, the need to identify alternative war fighting solutions suggests a look at Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs). The goal is to change the means by which warfare is conducted to improve operational efficiencies and overall effectiveness. The Naval Postgraduate School Systems Engineering and Analysis (SEA-19B) Capstone project team examined how existing directed energy technologies can provide performance across multiple warfare area domains and mission subsets for the U.S. Navy. The aim was to identify and characterize the capability gaps with conventional weapons systems, produce a coherent vision of naval missions that incorporate DEWs, and generate a roadmap for a DEW fleet. By conducting a thorough Analysis of Alternatives based on system performance, integration, schedule, and cost, the project team identified that the Tactical Laser System (with a laser beam power of 10 kW) provided the best overall capability to defend surface combatants, although none of the analyzed DEWs have the capability to replace a current conventional weapon. The Active Denial System (microwave) provided a niche capability in the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection mission set.http://archive.org/details/viableshorttermd1094534734Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited