PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has introduced a groundbreaking software tool to enhance mission planning for unmanned swarms, a key development in naval technology. The Optimized Cross Domain Swarm Sensing (OCDSS) software, demonstrated at NAWCAD’s headquarters in Patuxent River, Maryland, enables the Navy and Marine Corps to optimize the use of unmanned air, surface, and underwater systems through advanced simulations.
Role of Unmanned Systems
Unmanned systems are increasingly essential for naval operations, supporting tasks like surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical missions without endangering personnel. Coordinating swarms of these systems, however, requires precise planning to ensure effective communication and deployment. OCDSS addresses this need by simulating thousands of scenarios to identify the most effective combination of drones, sensors, and configurations for specific mission objectives.
“Autonomy is the decisive edge for maritime dominance,” said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans. “This technology is critical to enhancing operations across domains and represents a significant step forward for manned-unmanned teaming.”
How OCDSS Works
OCDSS leverages computational power to run extensive simulations, predicting how different unmanned systems perform in various mission scenarios. This allows planners to select the optimal number and type of vehicles, streamlining the decision-making process. The software’s virtual testing environment reduces reliance on costly and time-intensive real-world trials, mirroring industry practices where simulations account for up to 90% of development.
“OCDSS quickly runs thousands of simulations to predict how different unmanned systems might perform together,” said NAWCAD Mechanical Engineer Raymond Koehler, the software’s lead developer. “This software gives warfighters faster and more effective decision-making – that’s competitive advantage.”
ANTX Coastal Trident Demonstration
In August 2024, OCDSS was tested at ANTX Coastal Trident, an annual event focused on advancing maritime and port security through technological innovation. The software supported port security missions, generating data to guide future enhancements and operational deployment. The demonstration highlighted OCDSS’s ability to handle complex, real-world scenarios, reinforcing its potential for broader naval applications.
Recognition for Innovation
Koehler’s contributions to OCDSS earned him the Assistant Secretary of the Navy’s 2025 Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers of the Year Award as an Emergent Engineer. The OCDSS team also received a NAWCAD award for its partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, underscoring the value of collaborative innovation within the Navy’s research network.
Future Prospects
NAWCAD aims to expand OCDSS’s use across Navy and Marine Corps operational teams and test programs. Its versatility supports a range of missions, from intelligence gathering to combat support.
“OCDSS levels-up how unmanned systems are used in a wide range of missions, and we’re ready to scale this autonomy to operational teams or test programs across the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Koehler.
For more information on OCDSS, contact NAWCAD tech team lead Derek Alley at derek.m.alley.civ@us.navy.mil.
NAWCAD’s Mission
Headquartered in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAWCAD supports naval aviation through testing, evaluation, research, and development. With additional facilities in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida, NAWCAD’s workforce operates test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological edge. The development of OCDSS reflects NAWCAD’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions for modern warfare.
Collaborative Development
The OCDSS project benefited from collaboration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, combining expertise in engineering and computational modeling. This partnership enabled the creation of a robust tool capable of handling the complexities of swarm autonomy, positioning OCDSS as a cornerstone of future naval operations.
Detail Information Software Name Optimized Cross Domain Swarm Sensing (OCDSS) Purpose Optimize mission planning for unmanned swarms Key Feature Simulates thousands of scenarios for drone and sensor configurations Benefits Reduces testing costs, speeds up planning, enhances mission outcomes Test Event ANTX Coastal Trident, August 2024, port security focus Awards Koehler: 2025 Etter Award; Team: NAWCAD collaboration award Contact Derek Alley, derek.m.alley.civ@us.navy.mil
