Review of Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) Developments 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR UUV SYSTEMS 
As the Navy shifts its focus from a global threat to a focus on regional challenges, it is 
developing the capabilities needed to execute successful operations in the complex "littoral 
environment." There is a need for cost-effective, unmanned, clandestine, undersea, off-board 
platforms with sensors that can serve in a wide variety of roles and missions, including mine 
warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence collection, and tactical oceanography. To 
address these needs the Navy, led by Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsorship, has 
coordinated research and development efforts. ONR has helped lay the foundation through 
active sponsorship of a wide range of academic initiatives. In partnership with the Naval 
Oceanographic Office, ONR hosts annual exercises of AUV/UUVs in their Gulf of Mexico UUV 
test range. 
The UUV demonstrations, called "AUV Fest," provide opportunities for academic institutions and 
industry to showcase their UUVs. ONR also uses the event to evaluate technologies necessary 
to meet a concept of operations for schools of UUVs for ocean sampling and measurement. 
Participation has increased each year. The opportunity for "cross-pollination" among 
participating teams is significant. The Navy invites external observers aboard the mother ship to 
increase exposure to others interested in exploiting the technology. 
Observed advances in UUV technology each year is remarkable. This event serves the UUV 
community immensely in advancing the state-of-the-art and generating enthusiasm. Operators 
of UUVs have gained confidence in their vehicles during these at-sea events. The UUV 
competitions sponsored by the Autonomous Unmanned Vehicle Systems International 
organization similarly stimulate the UUV community. 
The Navy has initiated a strategic planning group to coordinate specific development and 
acquisition efforts begun by Navy Systems Laboratories. 
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