This paper presents a discussion of U.S. naval mine countermeasures (MCM) theory modernization in light of
advances in the areas of autonomy, tactics, and sensor processing. The unifying theme spanning these research areas
concerns the capability for in situ adaptation of processing algorithms, plans, and vehicle behaviors enabled through
run-time situation assessment and performance estimation. Independently, each of these technology developments
impact the MCM Measures of Effectiveness1 [MOE(s)] of time and risk by improving one or more associated
Measures of Performance2 [MOP(s)]; the contribution of this paper is to outline an integrated strategy for realizing
the cumulative benefits of these technology enablers to the United States Navy's minehunting capability. An
introduction to the MCM problem is provided to frame the importance of the foundational research and the
ramifications of the proposed strategy on the MIW community. We then include an overview of current and future
adaptive capability research in the aforementioned areas, highlighting a departure from the existing rigid
assumption-based approaches while identifying anticipated technology acceptance issues. Consequently, the paper
describes an incremental strategy for transitioning from the current minehunting paradigm where tactical decision
aids rely on a priori intelligence and there is little to no in situ adaptation or feedback to a future vision where
unmanned systems3, equipped with a representation of the commander's intent, are afforded the authority and ability
to adapt to environmental perturbations with minimal human-in-the-loop supervision. The discussion concludes with
an articulation of the science and technology issues which the MCM research community must continue to address.
Conference Committee Involvement (2)
Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXI
18 April 2016 | Baltimore, MD, United States
Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XX
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