Accession Number:

AD1114696

Title:

Feasibility of Indirect Fire for Countering Swarms of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Master's Thesis]

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Parsons, Matthew D.
• ,

Report Date:

2020-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

123

Abstract:

Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems C-UAS technology struggles to keep up with the evolving threat posed by drones. This threat is compounded by the advent of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems SUAS operating together to accomplish tasks as an autonomous entity known as a swarm. The miniaturization of these devices, coupled with rapid growth in their capabilities, presents a challenging problem that must be addressed. This work explores the design of a counter-swarm indirect fire capability within the existing Marine Corps ground-based air defense and fire support framework. In doing so, this thesis presents a novel solution by defining the parameters of an artillery shell with effects designed to disrupt SUAS operations. Such a shell would target the electromagnetic spectrum vulnerabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAV by utilizing expendable jammers delivered as a payload in a cargo-carrying projectile. This capability is likely to be effective against the swarm threat and can be used from the rear in support of units under SUAS attack anywhere within range of the artillery piece.

Descriptors:

• unmanned aerial vehicles
• unmanned aerial systems
• weapons effects
• multiple access
• swarming technologies
• counter-unmanned aerial systems
• military organizations
• global positioning systems
• military history
• ground control stations
• artillery
• computer programs
• munitions
• control systems
• directed energy weapons
• navigation
• unmanned vehicles
• warfare
• air force
• aircrafts

Subject Categories:

• Countermeasures
• Pilotless Aircraft

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]