Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap FY2011-2036 - Defense ...

Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap FY2011-2036
3.6 Challenges for Unmanned Systems
The number of fielded systems and the range of
missions supported by unmanned systems continue to
grow at a dramatic rate. As DoD steers a path toward the
vision described in Section 2, the challenges listed on the
right must be overcome in order to realize the full
potential offered by unmanned systems. The following
subsections summarize these challenges and the
remainder of this document provides details and future
goals for dealing with each challenge.
3.6.1 Interoperability
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CHALLENGES
Interoperability
Autonomy
Airspace Integration
Communications
Training
Propulsion and Power
Manned-unmanned (MUM) Teaming
To maximize the potential of unmanned systems, the systems must be capable of operating
seamlessly with each other and with manned systems across the air, ground, and maritime
domains. System interoperability is critical in achieving these objectives and requires the
implementation of mandated standards and Interoperability Integrated Product Team (I-IPT)
profiles. Properly implemented, interoperability can serve as a force multiplier, improve joint
warfighting capabilities, decrease integration timelines, simplify logistics, and reduce total
ownership costs (TOC). One of the most powerful tools in maximizing interoperability and
achieving these objectives is the adoption of the open systems architecture concept.
3.6.2 Autonomy
The rapid proliferation of unmanned systems and the simultaneous operation of manned and
unmanned systems as unmanned systems expand into additional roles have created a manpower
burden on the Services. With limited manpower resources to draw upon, the Services are
seeking ways to improve the efficiency of operations. For instance, introducing a greater degree
of system autonomy will better enable one operator to control more than one unmanned system,
and has the potential to significantly reduce the manpower burden. Additional benefits are
greatly reducing high bandwidth communication needs and decreasing decision cycle time.
Similar efficiencies can be gained by automating the tasking, processing, exploitation, and
distribution (TPED) of data collected by unmanned systems. Autonomy can help extend vehicle
endurance by intelligently responding to the surrounding environmental conditions (e.g.,
exploit/avoid currents) and appropriately managing onboard sensors and processing (e.g., turn
off sensors when not needed). Implementing a higher degree of autonomy faces the following
challenges:
• Investment in science and technology (S&T) to enable more capable autonomous operations
• Development of policies and guidelines on what decisions can be safely and ethically delegated
and under what conditions
• Development of new Verification and Validation (V&V) and T&E techniques to enable verifiable
“trust” in autonomy