UV Sentry: A Collaborative Approach to Creating a Collaborative System

Abstract : This paper will describe the processes and results of a pilot project conducted during FY11 as part of the Office of Naval Research's Center for Innovation in Naval Technology (CINT). The project goals were to assist in developing a networked, cross-organizational approach to establishing future requirements for multi-unmanned vehicle autonomy; and to identify technology gaps, challenges, and potential innovative approaches for technology needs. The UV Sentry concept, envisions a system of systems of heterogeneous vehicles, sensors and weapons operating semi-autonomously to provide force protection capability. This project focused on the application of the UV Sentry concept to the counter piracy mission off east Africa. A basic Concept of Operations (CONOPS) was defined and focused on the protection of assets navigating the international shipping channel through the Gulf of Aden. A list of desired system attributes was established including adaptability, scalability, persistence, ability to operate with fewer people, reduced bandwidth and communications requirements, sparse supervisory control, an improved human-machine interface, more rapid response times, and over the horizon communications. This paper will discuss the concept, previous work done, and how the CINT team approached the problem.