US Army explores unmanned swarm applications
US Army Futures Command (AFC) is exploring the potential to deploy UAS and UGVs to act as complementary swarm components, with multiple autonomous systems acting as a cohesive unit, actively coordinating their actions.
Once mobilised, the swarms would enable small units to quickly implement manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) for a variety of mission types. Data would flow quickly from the swarm back to soldiers, mounted or dismounted, who could then provide further instructions, if necessary, to the swarms.
Applications could include time-consuming or dangerous tasks. The army wants robustness, flexibility and persistence, so is moving away from controlling through tele-operating and toward commanding.
AFC's Combat Capabilities Development Command for C5ISR is exploring the extent to which swarming robotics can support commanders and their staff during the execution of mission command - the army's function that promotes freedom and speed of action. It combines the centralised intent from the commander with the decentralised execution of subordinate commanders, who then decide how best to achieve the commander's objectives.
In executing mission command, commanders must have a broad perspective, understanding and knowledge of activities throughout complex operational environments. Swarming technologies provide versatility for a ground force commander to accomplish different mission sets based on the reconnaissance requirements.
A key goal of the project will be how best to combine a soldier's cognitive skills with autonomous robotics systems. To date work has centred on reducing cognitive overload by filtering and prioritising data for actionable information and developing simple-to-use systems that would free up soldiers to perform other functions.
Capt Troy Makulec, Army Armor officer, said: ‘Swarming improves the ability to target specific locations with minimal collateral damage because we can identify our targets ahead of time. When we combine manned and unmanned systems, it's a force multiplier that turns a platoon into a company. Whether it's ground or aerial swarming, it improves the likelihood of survival for our soldiers on the ground.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Reamda upgrades Grasshopper UGV observation mast
Reamda, an Irish engineering company with a focus on UGVs and defence applications, delivered its Riddler platformed to the Irish Defence Forces last year.
-
Roke unveils new CUAS solution
The Roke Agile CUAS has been designed to provide protection for military and civilian situations, as well as to handle swarms of UAS by using a range of sensors.
-
Russia reaches new monthly record for Lancet use in Ukraine
The aggressor’s armed forces have adapted Lancet to Ukrainian conditions via iterative developments accompanied by a significant expansion in production capacity
-
India’s pursuit of UAVs fuels domestic innovation and industrial growth
In response to escalating border tensions and the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, the Indian Army is ramping up its drone acquisitions, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern defence strategies.
-
Australia to adopt new predatory OWL species
The Australian Defence Force will introduce the One-Way Loitering (OWL) platform by Innovaero, the country’s first long-range loitering munition, to enhance strike capabilities and understanding of loitering munitions.
-
Dedrone’s latest uncrewed solutions offers “complete CUAS DTI-M kill chain”
DedroneOnTheMove, which integrates advanced sensor-fusion and mitigation technologies, was showcased at Eurosatory 2024 and has been designed for deployment to enhance airspace security in high-risk environments.