Analysis of the Manpower Impact of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on Subsurface Platforms

Sie sind hier: Homepage > Suche

Analysis of the Manpower Impact of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on Subsurface Platforms

T. D. Futch

The constantly changing operational environment has forced all elements of the military to adapt and overcome. The submarine force is tasked with more missions and less support than ever before. As a result, the ability to adapt and overcome has created a need for additional capabilities in the form of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Currently the submarine force is exploring two possible UAVs, Switchblade and ScanEagle. Each brings capabilities to the submarine that allow safer operations while the submarine continues to perform the required missions. A manpower analysis was conducted to identify the requirements necessary for submarine-launched UAV operations. Current surface-launched UAV Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes were used as a comparison for the analysis. Currently these NECs are only available to aviation source ratings. Analysis shows that there are several submarine specific ratings that have the same knowledge entry requirements as the aviation source ratings that are eligible to operate UAVs. Furthermore, research shows that, based on the simplicity of operation of Switchblade and ScanEagle, no additional manpower requirements are necessary. On all classes of submarines, Switchblade can be launched and flown with no additional watchstations manned compared to a standard mission watchbill. Also, with ScanEagle, SSGN-class submarines require no additional watchstanders once the UAV is launched and airborne than would be required for a normal mission watchbill. Incorporating UAVs into the arsenal of a submarine is a vital requirement that needs to be accomplished. This research recommends the creation of a specific NEC for the submarine force to identify UAV operators.