U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers test counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities
NewsSeptember 26, 2016
GULF OF MEXICO. The USS Lassen (DDG-82) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) completed an exercise demonstrating its counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities.
In an initial scenario, the UASs routes were known to the operators allowing them to verify system settings. For the advanced scenarios, the UASs routes were unkown increasing the realistic aspect of training. "The goal here is to test our organic sensors radar systems, camera systems and interface with the shore side [operators] who are testing systems for the same purpose," explains Lt. Cmdr. Carl Poe, the combat systems officer aboard Jason Dunham. "We want to communicate and coordinate to expand our battlespace and reduce reaction time we have from detection to engagement of these UASs."
From the Jason Dunham’s rigid hull inflatable boat, Air Force cadets operated the UASs. This allowed the Jason Dunham the opportunity to test sensor and track systems from different ranges and elevations. "Great job to the Air Force cadets with their first time operating a quad-copter in an at sea environment, and landing it in a two-foot by two-foot space," says Cmdr. Kevin Hoffman, Jason Dunham's commanding officer. "It allowed us to test our detection capabilities, and evaluate our tactics, techniques and procedures, which is what Black Dart is allowing us to focus on."
The demonstration was conducted during the Black Dart exercise, off the coast of Destin, Florida. Officials explain, it provides a venue to bring together the industry, government, and operational forces to share the latest developments in C-UAS capabilities, as well as train in current systems. "We got a lot of work accomplished yesterday validating and experimenting with new systems that we have," Hoffman continues. "Overall, the communication across all the Department of Defense agencies and different entities that we have here has been great. We have the opportunity to employ some systems that we have not tested before, so it's a great experience for not only the ship, but the outside operators as well."
The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization plans and coordinates the Black Dart exercise. Officials explain, it is fully nested within the Chairman's Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Vision 2020.
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