A systems engineering analysis of unmanned maritime systems for U.S. Coast Guard missions

The U.S. Coast Guard is uniquely suited to utilize multi-mission unmanned maritime systems (UMS) to maintain its leading role in maritime safety, security and stewardship. Current UMS technological capabilities coupled with USCG mission needs motivate an analysis of proposed USCG UMS through a systems engineering methodology. This work begins by decomposing the capability needs for USCG UMS by developing a series of concepts of operations (CONOPS) in a “solution neutral” context. Following capabilities analysis, multi-mission commonalities help derive three USCG UMS alternatives: (1) Cutter-Based Tactical UUV, (2) Shore-Based Harbor/Coastal UUV/USV, and (3) Operational Offshore USV. These alternatives and their respective system architectures provide a design concept for near- to mid-term (5-10 year) acquisition. Finally, feasibility analysis reviews key system enablers (such as technology, capability, policy, and supportability and manpower) for the alternatives to justify a realistic integration timeline. Recommendations for technology investments, enhanced UMS partnerships, USCG unmanned system policies and organizational knowledge are provided to reduce delays and to accelerate delivery of needed capabilities to the field. This study lays the foundation for future strategic planning of USCG UMS (i.e., a USCG UMS Roadmap) while providing additional motivation for USCG unmanned systems in general.

Department dc:contributor.department

Systems Engineering (SE)

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Zorn, James B.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Chung, Timothy H.

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/34766

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/34766