SeaTrac Missions

USAF Advanced Threat Environment Training with SeaTrac USV

SeaTrac Systems partnered with Parsons Corporation to support a first-of-its-kind threat environment demonstration for the U.S. Air Force by integrating advanced electronic warfare simulation technology onto an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). This case study highlights how SeaTrac’s persistent, autonomous platform enabled realistic, scalable training scenarios in complex maritime environments.

  • Year: 2024
  • Operational Area: U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Key Benefits

  • Realistic threat simulation in maritime environments
    enabling dynamic, high-fidelity training for defense operations
  • No risk to personnel during training exercises
    eliminating the need for crewed vessels in high-risk or contested environments
  • Flexible payload integration
    allowing seamless incorporation of advanced systems like TReX for evolving mission needs

Purpose

Modern defense training requires increasingly realistic and adaptive threat environments. Parsons Corporation, in collaboration with the United States Air Force, the Mississippi Air National Guard and the University of Southern Mississippi, sought to enhance training capabilities by deploying advanced electronic warfare simulation tools in a maritime setting.

The goal was to integrate Parsons’ Transformational Red Environment Exercise (TReX) technology onto a mobile, autonomous platform to create a distributed, maneuverable threat emitter that could replicate real-world conditions more effectively than static or land-based systems. SeaTrac’s USV was selected to provide the endurance, autonomy, and flexibility required for this mission.

Method + Equipment

Base Platform and Payload Integration
The mission utilized a SeaTrac solar-powered USV, selected for its long-endurance capability and ability to operate persistently in offshore environments. Parsons’ TReX system, a sophisticated electronic warfare training tool, was integrated onto the platform, enabling the USV to simulate complex threat signals in real time.

Autonomous Operations in Dynamic Environments
SeaTrac’s USV executed pre-programmed and adaptive routes, allowing it to maneuver throughout the training area while maintaining consistent system performance. Its autonomous navigation enabled realistic movement patterns that better reflected real-world threat scenarios compared to fixed emitters.

“This innovative solution reduces logistical, and personnel costs associated with manned missions while facilitating a high-fidelity simulation environment—ultimately elevating the United States Air Force’s operational readiness.”

Mike Kushin, President of Defense and Intelligence for Parsons

Results

The demonstration successfully validated the integration of advanced electronic warfare simulation technology with an autonomous maritime platform. SeaTrac’s USV provided stable, persistent operations while carrying and supporting the TReX system, enabling realistic and adaptive threat emulation for training exercises.

By deploying TReX on an uncrewed, mobile platform, the team created a distributed training environment that could be expanded or repositioned as needed. This approach supports more complex, multi-domain exercises and provides greater flexibility for future mission requirements.

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