Research Summaries

Back Using UAS to Sense the Physical Environment and Predict Electromagnetic System Performance

Fiscal Year 2014
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Guest, Peter S.
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary Four research areas are identified. The objectives for each area will be to provide answers to the following questions:
1. Effect of UAS inputs (temperature, humidity, winds, etc.) on Forecast Model Accuracy. What is the effect, in terms of improvement of weather and EM/EO propagation condition forecasts, of including atmospheric data obtained from various UAS platforms? This was a key goal of TW13. The Pl would work in close collaboration with the TW13 participations from NRL, SSC-Pacific, NSWCDD, NWDC and other institutions to address this question.
2. Quantify Sampling Needs. What is the optimal observation frequency of atmospheric parameters (e.g. temperature, humidity, pressure, winds, turbulence) which will be used as input for mesoscale models such as COAMPS(c) in four-dimensional assimilation schemes? This study would involve a detailed examination of the NRL/FNMOC data assimilation schemes and future capabilities such as model physics and grid spacings. This would allow the development of guidance tools for UAS operators to adjust data collection and reporting frequencies as a function of flight characteristics and atmospheric features of interest that may affect the performance of air and surface assets and EM/EO propagation.
3. Optimal Number and Types of UAS Platforms. Based on known UAV performance specifications such as horizontal and vertical speeds, endurance and altitude ranges, which UAV systems are best suited to specify regional EM and EO characteristics? Which combination of UASs would maximize the Benefit/Cost ratios for characterizations of EM/EO conditions in marine environments? For example, platforms such as Scan Eagle can provide regional information but are relatively expensive to operate while inexpensive and easy-to-operate mini multi rotor UAS could fill in the details on evaporation ducts and other features that are too low to be safely sampled by the fixed wing UAVs. Addressing these questions in FY14 would provide vital information for planning of a future UAS atmospheric sampling Program of Record.
4. Operational Deployment of METOC UAS. What cultural changes are required in the Navy operational community to allow UAS environmental measurements to be performed from Navy vessels? Currently the technology exists for performing these types of measurements, but ship operators and commanders are not convinced that this capability is worth the cost in terms of expense, operational scheduling, deck space, manpower and other limited resources.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal