US Navy ships could soon benefit from improved threat awareness as DARPA contracts RTX’s Raytheon to develop an advanced sensing and targeting system. The planned capability will integrate electro-optical/infrared sensors, detection algorithms, and command-and-control tools to deliver continuous, real-time tracking of potential threats.
The system employs a tethered drone mounted with sensors and launched from a semi-autonomous unmanned platform that can be towed by either naval or commercial logistics vessels. Targeting information gathered by the drone will be transmitted to remote operators, enabling timely and informed engagement decisions.
Initial development under phase one will center on simulated engagements to assess system effectiveness and operator workflows. A follow-on phase will incorporate operational launchers and effectors for live testing. Although designed primarily to protect vulnerable ships, the system could also support a wider range of missions, including automated overwatch of medium and large unmanned surface vessels as well as manned combatants operating in diverse environments.
