Unmanned technology in line for funding boost as UK eyes key role for next-generation vessels
The UK Royal Navy has identified increased investment in emerging unmanned vehicle technologies as a high priority for its future development, with its aspirations running from the near-term operation of airborne reconnaissance systems to the possible future use of a dedicated unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV).
"I would like to see unmanned systems in use as soon as we can possibly achieve it," says Commander UK Maritime Force Vice Adm Charles Style. The RN's top-level battle manager believes unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned air vehicles will play an important role in operations of the UK's next-generation naval vessels, including its two Future Aircraft Carriers (CVF) and the Future Surface Combatant class of warships. "UAVs are the one area I'd like to see more experimentation," he says, calling for particular emphasis to be placed on conducting trials under operational conditions. Style believes initial UAV systems which could be acquired by the navy will offer a low-cost solution to current surveillance requirements, with the service particularly interested in acquiring recoverable designs equipped with electro-optical sensor payloads.
In a key demonstration of the service's future maritime use of UAVs, the UK's tri-service Joint UAV Experimentation Programme (JUEP) organisation will in late March conduct trials of Boeing's ScanEagle system involving the RN's Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland. To take place from a test and evaluation range off the Hebrides, Scotland, the trials will for the first time see a UAV come under Level 4 control from a UK military vessel, with an unmanned system to be launched from and recovered to the land.
The trials were initially planned to culminate with a UAV coming under Level 5 control from a navy Westland Sea King ASaC 7 airborne surveillance and control helicopter, but the UK Defence Procurement Agency says this was shelved after a review of risks and timescales concluded that Level 4 operations would represent "a more pragmatic and realistic approach within the constraints of the programme".
Sources suggest around three ScanEagles will support the trials under a contract placed last year with a Thales-led industry team also comprising Boeing and Qinetiq. Only one air vehicle will be flown at any one time, however, with the contractors guaranteeing a set number of flight hours for the duration of the trial (Flight International, 9-15 November 2004). The maritime trials programme will form part of the second year of JUEP activities.
Looking to the future, Style believes the RN's CVF vessels could be used to deploy a range of unmanned systems, potentially culminating with operations of embarked UCAVs. However, senior navy officials say such a capability might not be available until the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is nearing the end of its service life in the UK.
Style also notes that major challenges must be overcome before such unmanned strike systems can enter service, such as what to do with the UCAVs when the navy's aircraft carriers are not at sea.
CRAIG HOYLE / LONDON
Source: Flight International
