DARPA Autonomous Surface Vessel Set Out for Tracking Operations

There exists a national security threat impacting U.S. and global-friendly naval operations since the number of enemies who can operate quiet diesel electric submarines is gradually increasing. In order to overcome this national security threat, DARPA presented a contract to Science Applications International recently with regard to Phases 2-4 of its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) program.

The ACTUV program’s Phases 2-4 involves the effort to design, develop and demonstrate an unmanned vessel that can track the presence of quiet diesel electric submarines for several months, wherein thousands of kilometers of ocean will be scanned with least human input.

According to DARPA program manager Scott Littlefield, this versatile vessel features robust autonomy ensuring safe operations with respect to maritime laws, advanced software, and novel sensors that can constantly track the most quiet of submarine targets.

If proven effective, ACTUV will establish technological strategic advantage alongside the emerging quiet submarine threat, creating minimal manpower and other costs related to current ASW trail operations.

Littlefield further commented that DARPA is focused on transitioning an operational game-changer to the Navy, creating an unstable profit; the challenging submarine threat can be combated at one-tenth of the cost of constructing subs. In addition, the program ensures foundational technologies for potential unmanned naval systems.

During Phase 1, the system concept was upgraded and verified via program. Also, the risk reduction testing related to submarine tracking sensors and maritime autonomy was accomplished. Operational prototype at-sea testing will arrive during mid-2015.

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