Feature 3 | UNMANNED VEHICLES
UK studies USVs via capability
demonstrator programme
The UK Ministry of Defence, through its Maritime Surface Effects (MSE)
research programme, is studying the application and utility of unmanned
surface vessels (USVs) in the above water battlespace through a Capability
Concept Demonstrator (CCD) programme. The programme entails a
series of trials in order to inform an effective assessment of the possible
operational roles of USVs within the Royal Navy.
B
AE Systems’ CORDA consultancy
arm is leading the MSE research
programme, under which it is
managing eight separate tasks exploring
technologies and techniques applicable to
offensive and defensive surface warfare,
coastal suppression and naval fire support,
and the role of USVs.
The Ministry of Defence’s Directorate
of Equipment Capability (Above Water
Effects) – DEC (AWE) – is sponsor for the
MSE effort, with the Ministry of Defence’s
Research Acquisition Organisation (RAO)
acting as contracting agent for seven out of
the eight research themes.
‘The aim of our research outputs is to
provide advice to inform future capability
planning, including equipment procurement
planning decisions and to de-risk technology BAE Systems’ CORDA is leading a research programme, under which it is exploring
to support early procurement activity,’ technologies and techniques applicable to various potential roles for USVs, such as this
explained Samir Patel, CORDA’s senior remote controlled Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), seen here being tested by the US Navy.
principal scientist and the company’s MSE
programme manager.
‘As a programme of work, MSE main objective is to inform an effective vehicle at BUTEC in order to understand
covers everything from analytical paper- assessment of how USVs could contribute what, if any, military benefit they could each
based studies, assessing scenarios and to a range of Royal Navy surface warfare provide,’ says Mr Patel, ‘There are a number
military benefits, concept and technology tasks.’ of specific issues we wanted to examine, such
assessments, right through to hands-on A first phase of trials was conducted in the as how USVs might be integrated into the
trials and simulation activities. We are also first half of 2007 at the British Underwater maritime force, what level of performance
identifying appropriate exploitation routes.’ Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) range can be expected, and how USVs might be
The USV CCD – Task Identification on Scotland’s west coast, with four very operated.’
Number 04 – is unique in the MSE different USV types put through their paces: He continues: ‘USVs offer a number of
programme in that it has been contracted QinetiQ’s Sentry mini-USV and remote hypothetical benefits, for instance removing
through the Defence Equipment and controlled Pacific 22 rigid inflatable boat personnel from dangerous situations,
Support organisation’s Future Business (RIB) were tested in February; BAE Systems’ providing enduring presence, and offering a
Group. ‘The CCD involves a series of trials, Talisman autonomous underwater vehicle useful adjunct to manned ISTAR assets. But
in representative operational scenarios, with ran trials in March; and ASV Ltd’s SASS there are also a number of concerns. For
a variety of candidate vehicles to investigate 6M Mk II semisubmersible demonstrator example, could you operate a USV in the
hull/platform concepts, autonomy, sensors, vehicle was trialled in June. same sea conditions as a manned RIB where
effectors, and data links,’ said Mr Patel. ‘Its ‘We undertook extensive trials with each the coxswain can make instant judgements
16 Warship Technology March 2008
WT Mar - p16+17.indd 16 03/03/2008 15:55:50
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40