| Summary: | Operations in the Arctic pose unique challenges to the deployment of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), yet the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard both intend to utilize UAS to protect the United States’ interests in the region. Previous reports show batteries become significantly less efficient in cold weather, and research on Global Positioning System (GPS) fidelity in the Arctic provides evidence of connectivity issues. This study investigates possible concepts of operations including the use of battery versus gas-powered UAS and the utilization of both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight communications signals. An analysis of current data on lithium-ion battery temperature sensitivity, line-of-sight transmission distances, and Arctic GPS satellite coverage is conducted. This information is used to calculate expected real-world capabilities of various commercial off-the-shelf UAS. Once expected performance metrics are established, the utility of each UAS model is determined within various anticipated missions: intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; search and rescue; and deploying from various vessels, in different seasons, and at different latitudes. The findings in this report provide evidence toward the effective usage of UAS assets in the Arctic, a discussion of their deployment, and recommendations for future advancements. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited. Civilian, Department of the Navy Lieutenant, United States Navy Chief Warrant Officer Five, United States Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Three, United States Marine Corps Lieutenant, United States Navy
|
|---|