UCAVs on aircraft carriers by 2018, says USN Chief

May 18th, 2011 By US Navy – DEFENCE TALK

The chief of naval operations (CNO) delivered remarks and answered questions at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., May 13.

CNO Adm. Gary Roughead discussed a multitude of topics affecting the future of the Navy and its operational ability, especially in regards to unmanned systems.

Roughead spoke about the Navy's expectations as it evolves unmanned technology. "As we put this unmanned enterprise together, my direction to my people is that it has to be flexible, it has to be movable and it has to be agile," said Roughead.

When talking about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Roughead discussed the exciting milestones the community has made and mentioned the success naval aviation has had with UAVs aboard aircraft carriers.

"We remain committed to getting a squadron of UCLASS (Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike System) on board an aircraft carrier by 2018," said Roughead. "I would say if you are a young Sailor coming into naval aviation today you are looking at an entirely new fleet."

He spoke about the advancements in the Navy's unmanned underwater vehicles, and the road to creating a proficient energy solution.

"I've challenged the technical community, the research community and the academic community to give safe, ship-board, long duration power, and I have been extraordinarily pleased with the response that we have seen in that technology," said Roughead.

Whether he was discussing unmanned technology or other naval advances, Roughead said creative problem-solving is one of the reasons why the U.S. Navy is the most powerful fleet in the world.

"Innovation in the Navy is something we are proud of, and we have seen it transform naval warfare," said Roughead.

The Brookings Institute is a nonprofit public policy organization that conducts research to provide innovative recommendations for a stronger democracy, economic and social welfare and enhance international relationships.