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yesterday

US Navy Launches Fast-Track Solicitation for Modular Attack Surface Unmanned Vessels

The Navy aims to field a two-container USV prototype within 18 months under a streamlined contracting approach.

The large unmanned surface vessel Ranger transits the Pacific Ocean to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyler R. Fraser)
The Mariner Ghost Fleet Overlord Unmanned Surface Vessel moored at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. on Aug. 22, 2022. Two 20-foot payloads sit at the front of the payload deck. (Photo: Richard Abott, Defense Daily)

Overview

  • The Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office released a white-paper solicitation on July 28 under an Other Transaction Authority with proposals due by August 11.
  • The solicitation emphasizes a non-exquisite design built to commercial shipbuilding standards for maintenance and construction at multiple shipyards.
  • The leading vessel concept must carry two 40-foot ISO containers weighing 36.3 metric tons each to support modular mission payloads from intelligence gathering to missile carriage.
  • Performance requirements include sustaining 25 knots over 2,500 nautical miles in NATO Sea State 4 while hauling 25 metric tons on its deck.
  • Awarded prototypes are slated for demonstration within 18 months, showcasing both integration with manned fleets and independent operation.