A Framework for Comparing Command and Control Architectures for Autonomous Tactical Missile Swarms

摘要

The future combat system (FCS) will take advantage of a non-line-of-sight launch system (NLOS-LS) featuring fast-moving missiles that can be launched individually or as a swarm from a platform-independent containerized launch unit (CLU). These precision attack missiles (PAM) and loitering attack missiles (LAM) offer the commander significant indirect fire capabilities in the battlefield of the future. They also present significant challenges. Among these are the mechanisms for swarm behavior, target allocation by the swarm, command and control of the missile swarm in the context of overall mission planning, and potential information assurance issues associated with the missile swarm. A team at the United States Military Academy is integrating several technologies to produce a simulation environment suitable for investigating potential solutions to these challenges.