Review of Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) Developments 
ADVANCED UNMANNED SEARCH SYSTEM (AUSS) [1,11,12,13,14] 
The Ocean Engineering Division at the Naval Command Control and Ocean Surveillance Center 
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Division (Naval Research and Development 
(NraD)) has developed and fielded two successive un-tethered, supervisory-controlled UUV 
systems: a prototype and an improved model. These robotic vehicle systems were part of the 
Advanced Unmanned Search System (AUSS) program that had its genesis in the early 1970s. 
This program, and the verity of these two vehicles showed that supervisory-controlled systems 
can be employed effectively. AUSS program evolutions encompassed a search database, 
computer modeling of search, subsystems evaluation, the test-bed prototype search system, 
and finally the improved delivery system. Throughout this program, from 1973 until 1993, 
engineers at Naval Oceans Systems Center continued the AUSS program, acquiring experience 
and applying their knowledge to improve both search technology and vehicle technology. 
System feasibility was fully demonstrated after the prototype was fielded, many lessons were 
learned, and the prototype experienced major evolutionary changes. The second system was a 
complete redesign, using state-of-the-art subsystems and technologies. The resulting product 
was capable and reliable, yet flexible, creating a plethora of system evolutionary possibilities. 
Sea tests, improved tactics, and systems engineering became synergistic and interactive. 
Increases in vehicle autonomy enhanced the human operator's capability to supervise by 
decreasing piloting and navigating burdens. The resulting system significantly exceeded 
expectations and was delivered to the fleet. The AUSS is shown in figure 9. 
Figure 9. AUSS 
AUSS involved pioneering research in underwater search and in UUV systems. Important 
knowledge was also gained in systems analysis, system engineering, and program evolution. 
Two systems have been built and fielded which in combination have experienced 114 
untethered launches (and 114 successful recoveries) to depths between 2500 and 12,000 feet. 
AUSS proved it did not require a long, clumsy, and potentially dangerous leash. 
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