1.1 This guide establishes the basic communications requirements for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs). In its first instantiation, this guide serves as only a guideline, and not a definitive directive on acceptable UUV communication standards. In fact, this initial version is more accurately considered a compendium that addresses myriad communication modalities, where the selection of listed standards is determined after communication requirements are tailored to specific UUV applications and payloads.

1.2 This guide is intended to influence the design and development process for the acquisition and integration of vehicles, payloads, and communication system components, while at the same time to avoid specifying particular solutions or products. In its initial release, an additional intent of this guide is to address the communication standards required for operation of the U.S. Navy's planned 21-in. Mission Reconfigurable UUV System (MRUUVS) which is representative of its heavy weight class of UUVs. Guidance provided by the newly mandated and continually evolving, DoD IT Standards Registry (DISR) in the realm of existing military communication standards is also provided as a reference. Although there is a certain emphasis on U.S. Navy UUV missions, there is broad utility across the spectrum of commercial applications as well.

1.3 The breadth of standards addressed within this guide encompasses widely recognized Network standards and RF communications standards, including line of sight (LOS) and beyond line of sight (BLOS). Discussion of optical laser and underwater acoustic communications standards that are in development is also included. Besides identifying existing communication infrastructure, waveforms, and standards, this guide also briefly addresses related issues, security considerations, and technology forecasts that will impact fleet communication systems in the near future (5 to 10 years).

1.4 For ease in reading and utility, specific recommendations of existing standards are captured in tables segregated by communication domain. In some cases where standards are still under development or do not yet exist, details have been reserved for future revisions to this guide. Similarly, in various sections, elaboration of certain topics has either been determined to be beyond the scope of this guide or more appropriate for forthcoming revisions.

1.5 Readers of this guide will also find utility in referencing the related Committee F41 Guides on UUV Sensor Data Formats, UUV Payload Interfaces, and UUV Autonomy and Control. There is a clear relationship that exists in terms of communication systems, external interfaces, data formats, and information/data exchange which can be applied in context with the standards invoked in those documents.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 Table of Contents