Autonomy standards for unmanned undersea vehicles

The UUV community is adopting a set of standards that will ensure flexibility, modularity, and the ability to economically implement future upgrades. The acquisition organization of the US Navy, responsible for littoral and mine warfare, has recognized that standards are necessary for cost effective development and acquisition of various vehicles and payloads. Both the US Navy and commercial industries have recognized that UUVs have the potential to enhance the capabilities of manned platforms by providing access to dangerous areas without putting personnel at risk. The generation, use, and adoption of standards by the UUV community will facilitate future technology insertion, ease the incorporation of advanced sensors and payloads, and control costs.