Control
Station Analysis
By Mark
C. Hardy
UNSY
605-Unmanned Systems Sensing, Perception, and Processing
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
The Fleet-class Common Unmanned
Surface Vessel (CUSV) was developed by AAI Corporation, a Textron subsidiary,
in collaboration with the Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (MAPC). The CUSV
is a surface-borne sea craft designed to conduct mine detection/neutralization,
anti-submarine operations, intelligence collections, communications relay
activities, and unmanned systems launch and recovery. The fourth generation
CUSV is 39 feet long, has a top speed of 28 knots, and a cruising range of 1200
nautical miles (Naval-Technology, 2015). In October of 2014 the CUSV was
selected by the U.S. Navy to serve as a component of its Unmanned Influence
Sweep System (UISS) in conjunction with the Navy’s Freedom and Independence
class of littoral combat ships (Textron Inc., 2014; Naval-Technology, 2015).
Command and control (C2) of the
CUSV is conducted via the Universal Command and Control Station, which is
essentially a maritime version of AAI’s Universal Ground Control Station
(UGCS). AAI’s UGCS is utilized by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps for C2 of
unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The CUSV’s UCCS was designed in compliance with
NATO Standardization Agreement 4586, the Joint Architecture for Unmanned
Systems (JAUS) protocol, and the littoral combat ship communications
architecture (AAI Corporation, 2011). As such, the UGCS and UCCS are highly
interoperable and can be reconfigured and reprogrammed for C2 compatibility with
various unmanned systems. Moreover, the UGCS/UCCS is capable of simultaneous
operation of multiple unmanned aircraft, surface vessels, and/or ground
vehicles (AAI Corporation, 2010).
The UCCS communicates with CUSV
via the Harris SeaLancet RT-1944/U data link. The SeaLancet is a internet
protocol based high bandwidth data link capable of transmitting information at
up to 54 megabytes per second (Mbps). The SeaLancet has maximum range of 150
miles for line of sight (LOS) operations, but range can be extended beyond line
of sight with the use of data link relays (Harris Corporation, 2015). The CUSV
utilizes the data link to transfer real-time video, sensor data, navigation
data, and other mission related information (AAI Corporation, 2011).
The UGCS framework, which the
UCCS is based upon, incorporates intuitive web based interfaces combined with
enhanced human machine interface software (AAI Corporation, 2010). The UCCS
relies on traditional data presentation and user interface techniques to
interact with the CUSV operator. The UCCS is equipped with basic keyboard,
mouse, and joy stick interfaces to facilitate operator input. Visual
information is presented via several display screens depending on the number of
unmanned systems being operated. Visual display options include vehicle status
information, geographical/navigational display, and sensor/mission oriented
displays. Data points derived from sensor collections, such as the detection of
a mine like object identified by the CUSV sonar, is transmitted to the UCCS
where it can then be overlayed onto the UCCS geographic display for operator
target situation awareness (Textron Inc., 2012; AAI Corporation, 2011).
Figure 1. Universal Command and Control Station. AAI Corporation. (2011). Performance, Persistence & Modularity. Retrieved from http://suat.aaicorp.com/sites/default/files/datasheets/AAI_CUSV_08-08-11_AAI.pdf
The CUSV has a demonstrated
sliding autonomy capability, which allows it to conduct autonomous and
man-in-the-loop operations. The UCCS is equipped with the Mine Warfare
Environmental Decision Aid Library (MEDAL) software suite, which utilizes
historical and in situ environmental data to assess mine threats, develop mine
sweeping plans, and recommend tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) (National
Research Council, 2000). MEDAL generated mine countermeasure mission plans can
then be preloaded to the CUSV and executed autonomously or with varying levels
of operator input (Textron Systems, 2012).
The UCCS was designed to meet
military interoperability standards which require unmanned system control
stations to be universally compatible with most other unmanned platforms,
therefore requiring a fairly simplistic data presentation scheme. However, the
UCCS could be improved with the implementation of multimodal user interfaces that
transmit and receive information to and from the operator via multiple sensory
channels. For instance, speech control technology could be implemented to
assist with operator command and control of the CUSV. Haptic feedback, such as
vibro-tactile cues, could be incorporated into the operator controls to assist
with the launch and recovery of sensors and/or other unmanned systems. Vibro-tactile
technology could also be used to enhance obstacle avoidance and manual
navigation in the open sea, or during docking operations. Virtual Reality
displays could be employed to provide enhanced spatial situation awareness and
safety by expanding the operator’s field of view and delivering a 3 dimensional
perspective.
In conclusion, the UCCS is a
highly adaptable and capable unmanned GCS. However, current research indicates
that implementation of multimodal presentation methodologies, such as those
recommended, could lead to improved unmanned system operator performance (Maza,
Caballero, Molina, Pena & Ollero, 2010). The addition of such technologies
to the UCCS, could ultimately enhance UCCS and CUVS capabilities.
References
AAI
Corporation. (2011). Performance,
Persistence & Modularity. Retrieved from http://suat.aaicorp.com/sites/default/files/datasheets/AAI_CUSV_08-08-11_AAI.pdf
AAI Corporation. (2010). When the Mission Changes-We Adapt. Retrieved from http://www.maxvision.com/Downloads/MesaMaxinuseAAIShadow.pdf
Harris Corporation. (2015). SeaLancet™ RT-1944/U—NetCentric IP Solution for DoD Platforms at the Tactical Edge. Retrieved from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ZmpqmIEB4hsJ:govcomm.harris.com/solutions/products/defense/sealancet.asp+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Maza, I., Caballero, F., Molina, R., Pe˜na, N. & Ollero, A. (2010). Multimodal Interface Technologies for UAV Ground Control Stations. Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, 57(1-4), 371-391.
National Research Council (2000, March 6). Oceanography and Mine Warfare. Retrieved from http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9773&page=32
Naval-Technology. (2015). Fleet-Class Common Unmanned Surface Vessel (CUSV), United States of America. Retrieved from http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/fleet-class-common-unmanned-surface-vessel-cusv/
Textron Inc. (2012). Common Unmanned Surface Vessel Ushers in New Era of Naval Mine Countermeasure Operations. Retrieved from http://investor.textron.com/newsroom/news-releases/press-release-details/2012/Common-Unmanned-Surface-Vessel-Ushers-in-New-Era-of-Naval-Mine-Countermeasure-Operations/default.aspx
Textron Inc. (2014, October 22). Textron Systems Awarded $33.8 Million for the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Influence Sweep System. Retrieved from http://investor.textron.com/newsroom/news-releases/press-release-details/2014/Textron-Systems-Awarded-338-Million-for-the-US-Navys-Unmanned-Influence-Sweep-System/default.aspx
Textron
Systems (2012, September 21). CUSV:
Trident Warrior Experiment 2012 [Internet Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT1xjn183n4
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