SeaTrac Demonstrates Ability to Locate & ID Threats in Contested Areas

General Dynamics Missions Systems joined forces with SeaTrac Systems to demonstrate an approach to autonomously identify and neutralize subsea threats. Working with a number of advanced technologies, the companies simulated a real-world scenario of threats present in critical underwater locations, facilitating solutions for an increasing number of strategic national security problems.

Base Platform and Equipment 

The mission involved several layers of interconnected technology, each transmitting critical data and/or communications. SeaTrac’s USV was deployed to conduct an unmanned survey in a contested environment to locate and identify potential threats from the surface. Mission commands and waypoints were sent to the USV, which provided real-time feedback of the vehicle’s location and speed to the command and control system.

Technology Highlights

• The Theater Battle Management System (TBMS) provides an interconnected environment that enables operational management from multiple locations.
• General Dynamics’ adaptations of CaSHMI and Topside provide an interface to track and manage unmanned assets.
• General Dynamics’ high speed radio link based on 4G LTE technology provides the above-water link between systems, and acoustic modems provide underwater communication.
• The BluefinTM-9 UUV is capable of optical inspection and threat identification.

Threat Identification and Reporting

The USV simulated "finding" the target, which then resulted in the approval and releasing of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) to transit to the target location. Using an acoustic modem, the UUV sent updates on position and speed to the surface ship, which were relayed to shore and displayed on the system as the UUV travelled to its destination. Once there, the UUV simulated the image acquisition and returned.

On shore, the mission was displayed on several screens for the audience, as well as through General Dynamics’ virtual reality interface. This interface consolidates data from multiple assets and allows an operator to more quickly and easily assess a complex situation.

The demo showcased a system that provides effective cross-domain communications, a high-level theater battle management system, and the ability to manage and control multiple manned and unmanned systems from a consistent user interface. SeaTrac’s USV was integral to the overall project succeeding quickly and smoothly, thanks to its rapid proactive and reactive responses throughout the mission.