FTLs SpearFish system leverages JPLs CARACaS autonomy architecture in a new enabling technology for Patrol boat sensing, perception, and Command-and-Control (C2). SpearFish applies advanced high-bandwidth sensor fusion to enable unmanned patrol boats that will reduce risks and enable new operational capabilities within the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF). SpearFish includes sensor, perception, and Command-and-Control modules to enable MESF-specific autonomous behaviors. It indicates all high-level behaviors being executed and allows dynamic tasking/re-tasking from human operators. Additionally, SpearFish conforms to a Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C) appropriate for current 40 PB platforms and leverages available COTS technologies to enable rapid development to on-water testing of system performance. SpearFish requires little or no additional external sensor hardware beyond what is already in the 40 PB specification, plus one half-rack SpearFish computer/electronics module (1U rack). SpearFish electronics enable very high speed (kHz) tracking and intercept behaviors with no ship modifications, while FTLs neural-network systems enable situational awareness and threat recognition. FTLs TYFUN ocean and vessel simulation system can rapidly implement and test autonomy behaviors to ensure that each behavior has benefited from thousands of trial runs prior to ever being tested on the water.
Benefit: The proposed technology, when implemented, will allow a significant enhancement in high-speed networked behaviors of small autonomous vehicles. The need for communication of precise details across a networked swarm is critical for the DoDs modern concepts of network-centric warfare and network-centric operations. These directives address the belief that global communications technology, epitomized by the Internet and the World Wide Web, will fundamentally transform the conduct of war in the 21st century just as airpower transformed it between World Wars I and II. The core strategic concept is that a robustly networked force improves information sharing and collaboration, especially as autonomous systems become increasingly important. FTLs technology has the potential to vastly increase the effectiveness of networked communication in the field. In addition to this important application to the U.S. Department of Defense, civilian markets in commercial business and engineering communications may develop as a significant market for the resultant technologies. In applications that require high-bandwidth command and control of unmanned systems, FTL Labs SpearFish system can find a significant market.
Keywords: manned unmanned teaming, manned unmanned teaming, image recognition, SpearFish, Autonomy, Command and Control, THREAT DETECTION, High-Bandwidth Sensor Fusion, high value unit escort
