Current unmanned systems (UxSs) use different communication systems and have limited autonomy, which limit their ability to share information they collect with warfighters and other UxSs operating in the same area. UxSs may also face survivability and mission effectiveness challenges when they operate in contested environments. This report identifies an architectural approach that can improve system interoperability and autonomy.

Designing Unmanned Systems with Greater Autonomy

Using a Federated, Partially Open Systems Architecture Approach

Daniel Gonzales, Sarah Harting

ResearchPublished Sep 17, 2014

Current unmanned systems (UxSs) use different communication systems and have limited autonomy, which can contribute to interoperability problems and limit the degree to which information collected by these systems can be shared with warfighters and other UxSs operating in the same area. UxSs may also face survivability and mission effectiveness challenges when they operate in contested environments or against adversaries with significant electronic or cyber warfare capabilities. Improving UxS autonomy can address these challenges. This report identifies a partially open systems architecture (POSA) approach that can improve system interoperability and autonomy. A POSA reference model is proposed for unmanned aircraft vehicles that can enable new autonomous capability modules to be inserted into the system.

Key Takeaways

Open System Architecture Principles Can Help Meet Objectives

  • Each UxS program has developed its own custom architectures, so any effort to develop a joint common architecture using traditional approaches would be additive and costly to existing efforts.
  • To use architectures efficiently in the UxS design process, they should be shared electronically, and although architecture data are electronic, the programs often use different and noninteroperable applications. These electronic information-sharing limitations were key shortcomings of version 1.0 of the Department of Defense Architecture Framework.
  • A common UxS architecture would be too difficult to create in the near term because of the significant differences in the functionality and design of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), unmanned ground systems, and unmanned maritime systems.

Recommendations

  • Incrementally develop a common UAS architecture syntax.
  • Adopt the proposed UAS technical reference model, which is based on a partially open system architecture approach to ease integration of autonomous capabilities into UASs.
  • Conduct further research on the software designs of these systems before a decision is made on whether their architectures should be federated or before technical reference models are developed for them.

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Gonzales, Daniel and Sarah Harting, Designing Unmanned Systems with Greater Autonomy: Using a Federated, Partially Open Systems Architecture Approach. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2014. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR626.html.
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This research was sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (OUSD AT&L) and conducted within the Acquisition and Technology Policy Center of the RAND National Defense Research Institute, a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, and the defense Intelligence Community.

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