CCS is
a software architecture with a common framework, user interface and
components that can be integrated on a variety of unmanned systems.
It will provide common vehicle management, mission planning, and mission
management capabilities for the Naval Unmanned Systems (UxS) portfolio
During the test events in Dec.7-11, operators from Submarine Development
Squadron 5 (SUBDEVRON 5) Detachment UUV used CCS to plan and execute
several surveillance and intelligence preparation missions. The CCS
sent pre-planned missions, via radio link, to the LDUUV’s autonomous
controller and displayed actual vehicle status information to the operators
during the test. The vehicle was able to maneuver to the target areas
and collect imagery.
“These tests proved that operators could use CCS from a single
global operations center to plan, command, and monitor UUVs on missions
located anywhere in the world,” said Capt. Ralph Lee, who oversees
the Navy’s CCS program at Patuxent River, Maryland. “This
event also showed us that CCS is adaptable from the UAV [unmanned air
vehicle] to UUV missions.”
Teams from the Navy’s Strike Planning and Execution and Unmanned
Maritime Systems program office (PMA-281), Naval Air Warfare Center
Weapons Division , Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Pacific,
John Hopkins and Penn State universities worked together to design,
develop and test this software before executing the live demonstration
last month.
“We had a really talented group of people working on this project,”
said Vern Brown, who supports the CCS Advanced Development team based
in China Lake. "It was exciting taking the CCS concept of controlling
an undersea vehicle from inception early in the year to a successful
in-water demonstration.”
The Director for Unmanned Systems’ (OPNAV N99) roadmap intends
for CCS to be compatible across all domains – air, surface, undersea
and ground. The Navy initially plans to deploy the CCS on unmanned air
vehicles. It will provide common vehicle management, mission planning,
and mission management capabilities for the Naval UxS portfolio.
“Ultimately, CCS will eliminate redundant efforts, encourage innovation,
and improve cost control for unmanned systems,” Lee said. |
