1. Mine Warfare - A Total Force Approach for the Future
Dr Dave Skinner

2. A Systems Engineering Approach for the Future
JV 2020 CONCEPT
NAVAL OPERATIONS
FIGHTING 6
WAR
EXPERIMENTATION
REQUISITE COMPONENTS OF A
MINE WARFARE STRUCTURE
JOINT
ROADMAP
SYSTEMS
ALLOCATION
AND
MIW BATTLELAB
MIREM
FBE 5
FUNCTIONAL
ARCHITECTURE
NAVAL 4
TECH INSERTION/
P3I
OMCM FNC
CONOPS TO 3
1ST GEN ..
FUTURE
Last time I spoke to MINWARA (April 99), I discussed a systems engineering approach to defining the future of Mine Warfare. I touched on each of the 6 components of such an approach. We called that approach and the resultant system of systems ARES.
There is significant progress in each of these 6 requisite components.
The Vision is defined in the Navy’s MIW plan. The latest update addresses where MCM is now and what’s in store for the future. Other efforts that are being conducted to support the vision are the Fleet Engagement Strategy and Mainstreaming Mine Warfare.
The Fleet Mine Warfare CONOPs has been written and is awaiting signature. This document was written by the Fleet for the Fleet. This CONOPs proposes a new way of working the MIW challenges within the battleforce through establishing the Mine Warfare Commander.
The Functional Architecture has been defined in both the Capstone Requirements Document and in PEO Instruction 3370 which defines the Measures of Effectiveness and Measures of Performance for Mine and Undersea Warfare.
The Systems Allocation is being defined as the 1st Generation MCM systems (the dedicated forces), the second generation systems which add the Organic systems, and in future systems.
The Roadmap is taking shape as we identify technology insertion points, P3I upgrades, and the OMCM FNC is underway to seek out the future capability.
Experimentation is continuing through the MIREM program, through FBEs, and by beginning to look at a MIW Battlelab concept. As ADM Natter said, we need to exercise the CONOPs. One of the most important things we can do is to give the warfighter immediate feedback during exercises.
I’m pleased to see the progress but we can’t rest. Now is the time to lay the foundation for the future. I’ll spend most of my time today looking at the key systems and requirements which will impact our systems allocation and will shape the future.
ARES
INTEGRAL
VISION 2
CRD
PEO inst 3370 1
MIW
READY FOR SIGNATURE
MIW PLAN
FLEET ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
MAINSTREAMING MIW
Progressing Rapidly, Future of MIW is NOW!

3. Environmental Assessment
System Allocation
Self Protection
Clearance
Reconnaissance
Battlespace Prep
RAMICS
COBRA
ALMDS
LRS
RMS
OASIS
AQS-20
LMRS
AMNS
Intel
Advanced Degaussing
Environmental Assessment
MCM/MHC
MCM/MHC
Acoustic Quieting
Bottom Mapping
Second Generation
The first generation of MCM capability is the current dedicated MCM systems. While this capability serves the Navy well, it was recognized that the time to get supporting forces to an area of interest will not support the operational timelines.
This was the primary driver behind the development of the second generation of MCM. This includes both the current dedicated as well as the systems currently in acquisition – the organic systems. Organic systems will serve the Fleet for years to come and should provide an immediate reconnaissance and punch through capability.
The time is now to begin to define what the future of Mine Warfare will look like. Some of the efforts required will be evolutionary extensions of the 2nd generation dedicated and organic capabilities primarily through P3I programs. But, the real challenge will be to define the next generation ships and systems. I believe the future will be shaped largely by 3 elements – the emergence of unmanned systems, our choice of platforms (and I’m particularly going to address the ships), and the C4ISR capabilities of the future.
The Future…
First Generation
P3I Next Generation Systems Total Force Structure
The Future of MIW is NOW!

4. Keep Warfighters Out Of Minefield
Unmanned Systems
First, unmanned systems – They offer the unique advantage of keeping the ship and personnel out of the minefield.
But, we are just beginning to understand the the potential. Unmanned systems will be smaller, faster, cheaper, more intelligent, and capable of missions that are currently done by humans.
These are going to shape the future capabilities of both the dedicated and organic forces.
Why do we say this??….
Keep Warfighters Out Of Minefield

5. Unmanned Systems Technology
CURRENT
UGVs ( > 10 Vehicles)
First, there is a tremendous amount of activity in this area, much of it is supported by ONR. There hav been many in demos including FBEs.
Today, we see a wide variety of unmanned air, underwater, ground, and surface vehicles. Each has its own, specialized, command, control, display, communication, and data dissemination systems.
The use of unmanned systems, in meaningful numbers, to augment Naval capability will require that DoD and the Navy use a sound, systematic approach to achieve affordable, supportable, and fieldable systems.
One of our challenges is to reduce this large set to a manageable number.
UAVs ( > 45 Vehicles)
UUVs ( > 30 Vehicles)
USVs ( > 10 Vehicles)

6. Shaping the Future Shaping the Future of Naval Warfare
“ it shall be the goal of the Armed Forces to achieve the fielding of unmanned, remotely controlled technology such that-…”
Public Law , sec 220
“Some of the investment options we have discussed include…Unmanned systems, including robotic ground, air, sea and space sensors and vehicles;”
Sec. Defense Donald Rumsfeld, 21 June 2001
Shaping the Future
of Naval Warfare
with Unmanned Systems
The use of unmanned systems is becoming a matter of public policy. Not because of the politics, but because of the recognized value of this approach and it meets the Fleet’s needs.
Current Fleet trends of reduced manning, increased automation, more complex threats, reduced numbers of ships, independent (or split) operations, and a desire for less causalities provide an environment in which unmanned systems are required to augment future Naval capability.
Unmanned Systems – Historical Perspective
Used in Naval warfare early-on st as mines
Use has grown steadily
Today – many specialized systems/concept
Tomorrow – an opportunity to Augment
Fleet capability
Current Fleet Trends
Reduced Manning
Increased Automation
Less Casualties
More Complex Threats
Reduced Force Structure
Independent (Split) Ops

7. Unmanned Systems Technology
AFFORDABILITY
“Smart” Standardization
“Smart” Modularity
LOGISTICS
AUTOMATION
Standard Containers
Flexible “Retail” Delivery
“Low Impact” Lift
Training
Common Control
Automated Launch & Recovery
Automated Sustainment
How do we get started??
With the proper approach to affordability, logistics, and automation, a system of unmanned systems can be fielded.
Affordability concerns must be addressed through the smart use of modularity and standardization. Modular subsystems and mission packages deployed from families of air, underwater, surface, and ground platforms offer the opportunity to produce larger quantities and thereby reduce cost. This high quantity production is one of the areas where industry really excels.
The definition of interface standards and common protocols will move us closer to a “plug and play” environment and better interoperability.
Logistically supportable unmanned systems in significant numbers must be delivered in theater to augment warfighting capability. Packaging the unmanned systems in standard containers and delivering them into theater using flexible “retail” delivery will minimize the lift impact on combatant platforms.
Increased automation will be applied through the use of a common control and data dissemination system for all unmanned systems. Automatic launch and recovery will reduce manning requirements. System refueling and rearming will also be achieved through the application of unmanned systems.
The ultimate will be unmanned systems that take care of themselves.
In order to shape the future, we must adapt these ideas to the MIW challenge.
Technology “Triad” for Unmanned Systems
….. Requires a Systems Engineering Approach
What it will Take to Augment the Fleet with Unmanned Systems

8. ? Force Structure - MCM 2020 Self-Protection Organic MIW Capable Ships
All Combatants
(DD/CG/CV/L/SSN)
Self-Protection
Avoidance/Jamming
Signature Control
Organic MIW Capable Ships
Self-Protection, plus
Off-board Autonomous Recon
“Punch-Through” Neutralization
DDs/L-Ships/SSNs
The second element is the future force structure.
In order to best counter the MCM threats of the future it is envisioned that all navy ships should employ some form of inherent mine countermeasures.
As a minimum, all ships should employ some capability, possibly through signature reduction methods (e.g., active degaussing and acoustic silencing) to mitigate immediate mine threats. As technology matures, naval ships should additionally be outfitted with a hull-mounted, detect and avoidance sonar.
Many naval combatants will be further enhanced by being deployed with organic MCM systems that can provide an improved, yet limited, MCM capability. This suite of systems will provide initial reconnaissance and limited “punch-through” capabilities.
In order to provide the full spectrum of MCM capability and capacity, it is further envisioned that some small number of ships will possess a robust, complete set of MCM systems. The specific characteristics and quantities of such a ship are yet to be determined, although opinions abound, and that an analysis of alternatives is required to determine the best solution.
It remains clear that a dedicated MCM force will still be required. Clearance of large operating areas, ports, long transit lanes, and post conflict clearance all required dedicated MCM. The question is what form will the dedicated force of the future take.
Future MIW Ships
Self-Protection, plus
Wide Area Off-Board Autonomous Recon
Wide Area Neutralization
VSW/SZ Recon & Neutralization ?

9. Analysis of Alternatives
Future MCM Ship(s)
MCM-”Next”
MCS-”Next”
Future MCM Force Needs
Counter the Spectrum of Threats in Variety of Environments
Perform Wide Range of MCM Operations
Deploy with Naval Battle Groups
Eliminate the Need for Manned Operations in a Minefield
Provide Robust MCM C4ISR Capability
While the organic MCM capability of the future will be very capable, supporting forces will continue to be essential especially for sustained clearance operations such as large battle force operating areas, ports, logistics and commercial ship transit lanes, post conflict clearance, and maybe even for the in-stride neutralization in the VSW and surf zone.
As the USS Inchon reaches the end of its service life in the near future and the current classes of MCM ships start to reach their end of service life in 2022, the Navy needs to examine the requirements for the future surface MCM force and determine the capabilities for the next generation MCM ship or ships.
To meet the MCM needs of the future, the MCM force will be required to:
- counter a spectrum of MCM threats across a wide variety of environments,
- perform a range of MCM missions (from initial reconnaissance to sustained clearance operations),
- be deployable with Naval Battle Groups (to provide rapid response),
- employ off-board, autonomous MCM systems to eliminate the need for manned operations in the minefield, and
- provide a robust MCM C4ISR capability.
Think of the MCM, MCS, and unmanned systems as being a single system. What combination of these will best meet the dedicated requirement?
This determination will necessitate an Analysis of Alternative to determine the cost-effective solutions. My opinion is that it will be some combination of MCM and MCS platforms, and the unmanned systems deployed on them.
Analysis of Alternatives
Required to
Determine Cost
Effective Solutions
1 or 2 Ship
Classes?

10. Potential Concepts ?
The choices span everything from a large “mother ship” which hosts AMCM and unmanned systems, to a host of smaller ships.
In general, it is envisioned that the future MCM concept will employ some type of host platform operating off-board MCM systems and/or platforms – what needs to be determined is the size and quantity of such a platform.
This combination, whatever it turns out to look like must be:
- Rapidly Deployable - High Speed - Long Endurance
- Able to Support AMCM
- Host for unmanned systems
Perhaps even the MCM-”Next” will even be an unmanned platform itself.

11. MIW C4ISR Future Common Undersea Picture COLLABORATIVE RIGHT
National ISR
Environmental Database
Threat Database
Ship Vulnerability
Network
Centric
(CUP)
Intuitive
Comprehensive
Battlespace
Awareness
Timely
Accurate
Relevant
Information
The future of C4ISR for Mine Warfare is critical to a total force capability. MIW must be part of the Navy’s vision of Network Centric Warfare.
This overall picture includes input from national assets, environmental and threat databases, as well as all the platforms and systems in the battlespace.
Perhaps the biggest contribution of this area will be to focus attention on the actual threat areas – the ability to preempt mining or to limit the area that ultimately must be searched. MCM gets very tough when the areas of concern are large.
The Common Undersea Picture (CUP) will bring the ASW and MIW communities together. It will link all users into an intuitive, comprehensive picture of the battle space populated with timely accurate relevant information. It will automate planning and situation awareness and will be supported by National Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance information. The Environmental Databases, Threat Databases, and Ship Vulnerability Databases will be readily accessable. These databases will be populated during peacetime with MIW intelligence, route survey’s, foreign mine exploitations, and ship vulnerability against foreign mine assessments. The CUP will enable the Mine Warfare Commanders to make the right decisions about where and how to allocate MCM assets and reduce time spent executing MCM operations.
COLLABORATIVE
PLANNING &
EXECUTION
REDUCE
MCM
TIME
RIGHT
DECISION

12. The Grand Challenge Enablers
Enable Assured Access and Dominant Maneuver, with Decisive Speed and Overwhelming Operational Tempo in the Presence of Enemy Forces, Mines & Obstacles
Enablers
Unmanned Systems
MIW Force Structure
C4ISR
Navy-Industry Commitment