(UXV), reflecting the potential combination of systems – UAS, USV, UUV. Almost immediately, it was re-dubbed the Drone Carrier, with a twin- angled flight deck, a well deck and a stern ramp for UxV deployment. The current availability of space, usable facilities and advanced C2 systems suggest, for some navies, innovative solutions for their flatdeck amphibious vessels (LHD, LHA, LPH). Fixed-wing combat drones (UCAS) are significantly cheaper and smaller than their traditional (manned) counterparts, and usually offer greater combat ranges. That implies possible operation from smaller vessels and/or in greater numbers, though some issues require resolution: adequate reliability, doctrinal, legal and ethical problems related to permissible levels of decision autonomy. These systems will likely operate at considerable distance from the mother-ship, possibly in a severely degraded electromagnetic environment. Brand-New Capability Turkey initially planned to operate its F-35Bs from its new Anadolu LHD, a variant of Spain’s Juan Carlos I, as are Australia’s Canberraclass vessels. Turkey’s exit from the F-35 programme left Anadolu contemplating a more limited helicopter carrier role – then came a bold announcement: she would be operated as a drone carrier. Initially, her air wing would be composed primarily of TB-3 Bayraktar UAS, an improved, navalised variant of the widely exported TB-2, which played an important role in Libya, Syria, Armenia and Ukraine. The TB-3 will have foldable wings, and an advanced satcom system for greater operational range. The current TB-2 features a MTOW of 650kg, with 150kg payload, 300kg fuel and 24 hours endurance. Anadolu is said to be capable of embarking 3050 TB-3s, (depending on how many (manned) S-70 Seahawk helicopters are embarked at the time), and to control up to ten drones simultaneously. The news was the subject of great attention at the time: Back in 2003, when the US Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme began, one of the most stunning requirements was the capability to shift roles, using a wide array of unmanned assets – air, surface and underwater – among other factors. A primary cause of the LCS failure, indeed, was the lack of suitable unmanned systems (UxS). From a wide original foreseen array, some were successful, some were cancelled or greatly rescoped, and some are still in the qualification process, almost 20 years later. Most next-generation surface combatants include some kind of flexible reconfigurable space, where unmanned assets are a possibility. Automatic launch and recovery systems (LARS), rearming/refueling facilities, full integration with combat management systems (CMS), common control consoles, enhanced communications and robust datalinks – these are among current requirements for those warships to operate unmanned assets. Mine countermeasure (MCM) vessels are likely today’s best ‘drone carriers:’ their role foresees an almost total exploitation of unmanned assets. The Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme, operated by Belgium Naval & Robotics (a Naval Group/ECA Group consortium), is likely the best current example of a naval vessel designed from the very beginning to operate primarily, if not solely, with an array of UxS – a real ‘mother-ship’. Conceptual Developments Increased interest in shipborne drone operations led to new concepts being proposed – never mind how unlikely to see the light of day, in some cases. At Euronaval 2018, Naval Group unveiled the 4,000t trimaran Ocean Avenger, with a twin-angled deck and a UAS launch capability. Mounting a VLS battery and a large-calibre gun, its main asset was its air component. Seven spots for VTUAS marked the flight deck, though catapault and arresting gear would also have been included at need. BAE Systems offered a comparable solution, though with a single 8,000t traditional hull, designated the Unmanned Experimental Vessel RAdm (ret) Massimo Annati served for 38 years in the Italian Navy, mostly in procurement and international cooperation. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the European Working Group on Non-Lethal Weapons, and is a frequent contributor to Mönch Group publications. From the Bridge MT 3/2022 · 63 Massimo Annati The Evolution of the Drone Carrier The unusual trimaran shape of the Ocean Avenger, a conceptual design for a future combatant capable to operate a complement of fixed wing UAS, in addition to its combat system. (Photo: Naval Group)
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