General Dynamics Mission Systems and General Dynamics Electric Boat have successfully showcased “multiple mission command, control and communication capabilities” connecting a UUV from Bluefin Robotics and a Blackwing model UAS from AeroVironment with a simulated AN/BYG-1 submarine combat control center ashore.

A Stackable Air-powered Launch System (STAPLS) intended for use aboard submarines was also used during the demonstrations.

The goal of the demonstrations, which were a part of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) 2017 that took place at the U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, Rhode Island, was to provide “available solutions to the communications challenges of operating in a contested, undersea environment.”

From the AN/BYG-1 control center, the General Dynamics team showcased capabilities for real-time, two-way communications, as they changed the mission of the Bluefin SandShark UUV using the third-party UAS while the UUV was operating in the water.

During another demonstration, the Bluefin SandShark UUV communicated with a “simulated undersea communications network” that was made up of “an acoustic communication node connected to a fiber optic cable” that transmitted information from the UUV back to the AN/BYG-1 through a surface buoy.

The General Dynamics team also launched both a Bluefin SandShark UUV and a Hammerhead canister with the third-party UAS inside of it from two platforms; those being a Bluefin-21 medium-weight UUV, and a STAPLS launcher designed by General Dynamics Electric Boat.

“This demonstration proves that General Dynamics and its partners can solve significant challenges to establishing tactical communication networks quickly and effectively using assets undersea, at the surface and in the air,” says Carlo Zaffanella, vice president and general manager of Maritime and Strategic Systems for General Dynamics Mission Systems.

“We look forward to working with our partners and the Navy to make these capabilities mission ready.”

The prototype STAPLS launcher was developed by General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Applied Physical Sciences organization with the intent of being a “powerful, cost-effective solution to launch tactical assets,” such as the Bluefin SandShark UUV and a third-party UAS from a submarine.

Without displacing existing payloads, the launcher can increase submarine payload options, and insertion on fielded and new construction submarines is envisioned, as the launcher is adaptable to a variety of payloads.

“The General Dynamics team successfully demonstrated our innovative STAPLs submarine payload launcher with UAV and UUV payloads, all integrated via an air-land-undersea network,” says Kenneth Perry, a vice president of General Dynamics Electric Boat.

“It reflects General Dynamics’ commitment to delivering advanced and relevant undersea capabilities for the Navy.”