System Automation That Will Support Reduced Manning On Submarines (Component-Level Distributed Control System Technology)

This proposal covers adaptation of technology to improve Navy operations in general. An important aspect of a process and approach that facilitates technology infusion is its ability to provide "the right data, anytime, anywhere in the system". Through careful consideration of system architectures, the data availability of current systems could be extended. Thus, the addition of new processing capability using commercial hardware/software could be made without major rework of the existing system data distribution architecture. One specific objective is to create a prototype system that uses the NTDPS system software, including ICAS software, to demonstrate an end-to-end solution for manning reduction can be developed that: senses remotely, passes the information via a wireless and wired network, evaluates data against logic, and can subsequently control and actuate three generic valve types. This to prototype coupled with an understanding of human task performance allows us to develop a methodology to shift human performance of tasks to technology performance of tasks. Because Phase I focused on: Human Systems Integration (HSI); Electronics Simplification; Technology Insertion, and System Operability and Maintainability, a second object is the selection of the PEO SUB Financial Management Information System (FMIS) as a candidate for technology infusion.