Control Station Analysis of Unmanned Maritime Vehicle

Bluefin-21 AUV Control Station Analysis

Research Study

Miguel A. Linares

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Introduction

         Command and control of unmanned systems requires the provision for the operator to monitor and manipulate the system whether the system is fully automated or manually remote operated. There has also been an evolution of the data presentation architectures and methods used in conjunction with the equally numerous types of unmanned systems. This study will focus on the hardware, software, and user interface of the command and control station of the Bluefin-21 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and the negative aspects and challenges that it faces, and possible recommendations in overcoming such challenges.

Bluefin-21 AUV Control Station Description

         The Bluefin-21 AUV, owned by General Dynamics (GD) and Bluefin Robotics, is a highly capable unmanned underwater system used in offshore surveying, search and salvage, archaeology and exploration, oceanography, mine countermeasure and unexploded ordnance location applications. It is capable of carrying multiple sensor payloads with high energy capacity at depths of nearly 15,000 feet below the surface. (Keller, 2014) The system performs its pre-programmed mission autonomously and is monitored via its Operator Tool Suite. It is a user interface that provides data display of mission and vehicle status during all phases of the operation. The vehicle’s acoustic tracking transponder and acoustic modem send INS navigation and system status data to the control station for the operator to monitor. The system’s iridium antenna can also send larger data signals between the operator and the vehicle such as redirection commands but only when the vehicle antenna is above the surface of the water. (Bluefin, 2016) The operator software used is based on a Windows operating system and can be run from any desktop or laptop computer. This makes the hardware requirements of the control station very low and even portable. The user interface displays data in three different ways consisting of the Mission Planner, Dashboard, and Lantern, depending on the mission phase. (Bluefin, 2016)

        The mission planning and verification phase is used to create the path and depth that the vehicle is to follow based on a chart seen on the graphical tool. The operator also sets specific safety settings, constraints, and recapture points and courses of action. The dashboard provide tracking of the vehicle’s position based on the chart on the graphical tool where the plan was created. It also includes vehicle status, attitude, and position as well as current behavior. In the dashboard, the operator can also use specific diagnostic tools for post-mission maintenance of the sensors and subsystems. Finally, the lantern display is used in the post-mission processing of the collected data. This includes the combination of survey lines and other sensor-based collected imagery with the vehicle position and contact data for accurate product delivery. Lantern also allows zooming, contact measurement, and height above ground functions for better data analysis, and the geographical based information enhances the accuracy of targets identified. (Bluefin, 2016)

Challenges and Recommendations

            One of the main negative aspects of this interface on the Bluefin-21 is that it is isolated to that specific vehicle and does not enable multiple vehicle operations if desired. Another disadvantage is the inability to handle operations of other systems outside of the Bluefin Robotics family; even if those systems are part of the General Dynamics family. One solution presented by GD is the open architecture computing infrastructure and design of their Common Dispay System (CSD) family of control stations. These are actual command and control consoles that have interchangeable components and support the operation of the entire GD fleet of unmanned systems. (General Dynamics, 2016) While this widens the operational flexibility, naval military also employs aerial platforms. For this type of user, a control station more along the lines of Textron Systems’ Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS), would provide commonality and interoperability across platforms and domains. (Textron, 2016) Another benefit of having multiple vehicle commonality of control is that UAVs can enable communications relays beyond line of sight with a USV or even a UUV that has a link to a surface buoy or can come up to send the signal. The challenge of control of multiple unmanned systems from a common control station has been tackled by many such as QuinetiQ, who has also demonstrated this capability with some limitations but continues to improve on the station’s ability to run services even for platforms of different manufacturers. (Cheng, 2014)

Conclusion

            The Bluefin-21 has an operator tool suite that is likely good enough to meet a small scale enterprise utilizing this single AUV. It also translates into lower hardware costs noting it can be run from a Windows OS based laptop computer that is hooked up to the acoustic modem as part of the communications network. It provides a simple and easy to use three-tier interface for mission planning, monitoring, and data processing. However, for larger enterprises such as naval military operations encompassing salvage search, mine detection, and defense countermeasures that require an aerial component and systems, an interoperable and common multi-platform control station may be required for better mission accomplishment.

References

Bluefin. (2016). Bluefin-21. Retrieved from Bluefin Robotics: http://www.bluefinrobotics.com/vehicles-batteries-and-services/bluefin-21

Bluefin. (2016). Operator Software. Retrieved from Bluefin Robotics: http://www.bluefinrobotics.com/technology/operator-software/

Bluefin. (2016). Sensor Integration. Retrieved from Bluefin Robotics: http://www.bluefinrobotics.com/technology/sensor-integration/

Cheng, J. (2014, April 11). The quest for a universal remote for unmanned systems. Retrieved from Defense Systems: https://defensesystems.com/articles/2014/04/11/uav-common-control-qinetiq.aspx

General Dynamics. (2016). OPEN CI – Open Architecture Computing Infrastructure. Retrieved from General Dynamics Mission Systems: https://gdmissionsystems.com/maritime-strategic/open-ci/

Keller, J. (2014, April 14). Bluefin Robotics wins $7.1 million contract to develop Navy's next-generation underwater drones. Retrieved from Military & Aerospace: http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/04/bluefin-black-pearl.html

Textron. (2016). UNIVERSAL GROUND CONTROL STATION (UGCS). Retrieved from Textron Systems: http://www.textronsystems.com/what-we-do/unmanned-systems/UGCS