Author Description

The primary purpose of this thesis is to examine the requirements of naval command and control for future Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and to propose solutions for current limitations. Currently, UAVs co-exist as a collection of independent systems that have poor interoperability and limited functionality beyond strategic reconnaissance. As UAVs mature, they will increasingly be deployed at the unit level and employed tactically, increasing the need for coordination and the dissemination of information. Command and control systems must evolve to keep pace with this development. A description of contemporary and proposed UAV systems is presented, and this Thesis uses a scenario to illustrate current limitations and develop the requirements for UAV command and control.