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Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Professional Development Center

(NMOPDC)

UAS Support: A Training Perspective

William StamperNMOPDD Atlantic

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Introduction: Training and UAS?

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Key Considerations

• METOC support role WRT increased UAS presence

• Training response to support requirement

Today’s Discussion

• Forecast Considerations

• Tactical Considerations

• The way ahead

RQ-21A INTEGRATOR STUAS

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Forecast Considerations

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• Traditional forecast parameters still apply (winds-vis-precip)

• Greater forecast fidelity required

• Tighter (and more) thresholds

• Additional forecast considerations

• Operating with other aircraft (OP zones, etc.)

• Specific launch and recovery envelopes and requirements such as pitch and roll

• Orbit stand-off ranges driven by the environment

• UAS missions often planned far in advance

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Tactical Considerations & Training Challenges

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• TDAs:

• Deeper understanding of sensors, systems, capabilities

• AREPS/TAWS: sensor/system updates; program improvements (e.g., AREPS evap duct calc)

• Other TDAs: load approval, incorporate into training

• Other training and support issues/gaps

• Many customers don’t grasp METOC support extent

• Many METOC do not understand UAS depth

• Non-POR sensors and systems (e.g., SCAN EAGLE)

• UHF LOS Comms

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The Way Ahead…

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• Our training efforts continue

• AREPS and TAWS Primer updates

• Teams get flexed in our Team Trainer events

• Advanced training classes in the works (?)

• Deeper training on NAAPS, COAMPS, other forecast-related tools & products

• Continued emphasis on forecaster interaction

• Continued collaboration with key players

• Software developers

• UAS teams/developers/R&D

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The Way Ahead…

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• Continue our role as a conduit for product improvement

• Assist Fleet users in getting requests to the right folks

• Continue support advocacy (new sensors/systems)

MQ-8B FIRESCOUT VTUAV• PDD SMEs assist with sensor/system/target updates

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Better Education Through Visualization…

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The Way Ahead…

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• Reach Back DOES work…

• AREPS and TAWS RB has shifted (or will soon) to the FWCs in Norfolk and San Diego

• FNMOC maintains some of their role

• PDDs play a major part in training/sustaining the RB personnel

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A Note on Reach-Back

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Five Cornerstones for Effective RB Support

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Questions?