The U.S. Navy defines Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MUSVs) as vessels under 200 feet in length and less than 500 tons in displacement, making them similar in size to patrol craft. The primary goal for these MUSVs is to be low-cost, high-endurance, reconfigurable ships capable of accommodating various payloads. Initial payloads will focus on Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T), Counter-ISR&T, and Information Operations (IO) missions. The Navy’s MUSVs are a critical component of its Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept, enhancing situational awareness and ISR capabilities in maritime areas of responsibility.
The Navy is approaching the MUSV program as a rapid prototyping effort under Section 804 middle tier acquisition authority, with a focus on gathering data and refining requirements through initial prototypes. No operational MUSVs are programmed for procurement from FY2025 to FY2029, with formalized requirements to be defined in future budgets.
The U.S. Navy’s interest in Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) signifies a significant advancement in naval capabilities, with a strategic focus on enhancing unmanned systems within the next twelve months. This initiative aligns with the Navy’s vision of incorporating innovative technologies to maintain maritime superiority. The recent Request for Information (RFI), published in mid-June, delineates a clear procurement timeline, underscoring the urgency and importance of this development. The RFI calls for an initial delivery of MUSVs within twelve months of the contract award, with a total of seven vessels expected within a twenty-four month period.
Recent Developments
- July 2020 Contract Award: The Navy awarded a $34,999,948 contract to L3Harris Technologies for developing a single MUSV prototype, with options for eight additional units, potentially valuing the contract at $281,435,446. The prototype will integrate L3Harris’s ASView™ autonomy technology into a 195-foot commercially derived vehicle.
- June 2024 RFI: The Navy issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess industry capabilities for rapidly delivering up to seven MUSVs based on existing designs. This accelerated schedule requires leveraging proven designs with minimal modifications or converting existing U.S.-built vessels .
- MUSV Mariner: The Navy is preparing to christen its fourth Overlord MUSV, the Mariner. This vessel, produced by Leidos and Gulf Craft, is designed to operate autonomously and is equipped with various advanced sensors and communication systems. The Mariner’s mission systems can be configured for different tasks, and it features significant automation and redundancy to ensure reliability in unmanned operations.
Detailed Scheme Table
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) |
| Length | Less than 200 feet |
| Displacement | Less than 500 tons |
| Initial Payloads | ISR&T, Counter-ISR&T, Information Operations (IO) missions |
| Key Capabilities | Low-cost, high-endurance, reconfigurable for various payloads |
| Development Status | Rapid prototyping effort under Section 804 middle tier acquisition authority |
| Budget | No operational MUSVs programmed for procurement in FY2025-FY2029 |
| Contract Award | July 2020, L3Harris Technologies awarded $34,999,948 for prototype development |
| Additional Units | Options for eight additional MUSVs, total potential contract value of $281,435,446 |
| RFI Issued | June 2024, assessing industry’s ability to deliver MUSVs using existing designs with minimal modifications |
| Notable Vessel | Mariner, fourth Overlord MUSV, designed for autonomous operations with advanced sensor systems |
| Contractors | Leidos, Gulf Craft, L3Harris Technologies, Gibbs & Cox, Incat Crowther, Swiftships |
| Operational Goals | Enhance Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), improve situational awareness in maritime areas |
Technical Specifications and Procurement Strategy
The RFI specifies that the Navy is not seeking clean-sheet designs. Instead, it emphasizes leveraging existing, proven designs with minimal modifications or converting existing U.S.-built vessels. This requirement necessitates that the designs be largely pre-existing, ensuring a rapid development and deployment timeline. This strategic move aims to expedite the integration of MUSVs into the fleet, minimizing the risks associated with entirely new designs.
Prominent defense contractors such as L3Harris, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, Swiftships, and Austal USA are poised as leading contenders for this contract. These companies possess extensive experience and previous designs that align with the Navy’s stringent requirements. Their established expertise in unmanned systems places them at the forefront of this competitive bidding process.
Historical Context and Evolution of MUSVs
The concept of unmanned surface vessels has evolved significantly over the years. The Navy’s renewed focus on MUSVs comes in the wake of the Ghost Fleet Overlord program, which was instrumental in demonstrating the capabilities and potential of unmanned systems. The termination of the Ghost Fleet Overlord program has paved the way for new initiatives, with MUSVs being a critical component of the Navy’s future operations.
Historically, the development of unmanned systems has been driven by the need for enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational flexibility. The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) has revolutionized naval warfare, providing the Navy with unprecedented capabilities for dispersed and networked operations.
Geopolitical Implications
The acquisition of MUSVs is not merely a technological advancement but also a strategic move with significant geopolitical implications. The ability to deploy unmanned vessels enhances the Navy’s operational reach and deterrence capabilities. In a geopolitical landscape marked by increasing maritime disputes and the strategic significance of sea lanes, MUSVs offer a versatile platform for maintaining naval presence and projecting power.
The U.S. Navy’s focus on dispersed operations is a response to evolving threats and the need for greater operational flexibility. MUSVs, with their ability to operate independently or in conjunction with manned platforms, provide a scalable solution for various mission profiles, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and payload delivery.
Technical Innovations and Capabilities
The RFI outlines specific technical requirements for the MUSVs. These vessels must be less than 200 feet in length and have a displacement of under 500 tons. The payload capabilities are versatile, including provisions for ISR equipment, the U.S. Navy’s Mark 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS), and flight deck space for unmanned aircraft operations. This flexibility in payload configuration ensures that the MUSVs can be tailored to meet specific mission requirements, enhancing their operational utility.
The emphasis on existing designs with minor modifications underscores the Navy’s intent to leverage proven technologies. This approach mitigates the risks associated with new designs, ensuring that the vessels can be delivered within the stipulated timeframe. The potential for converting existing U.S.-built vessels also aligns with the Navy’s broader strategy of cost-effective and rapid procurement.
Industry Response and Competitor Analysis
The leading contenders for the MUSV contract have a track record of delivering advanced maritime systems. L3Harris, for instance, has developed the Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) technology, which has been successfully integrated into various platforms. Leidos has similarly demonstrated its expertise with the Sea Hunter, an autonomous vessel that has set benchmarks in unmanned maritime operations. Lockheed Martin’s experience with the Surface Navy Unmanned Technology Demonstrator (SUTD) further positions it as a strong candidate.
Swiftships and Austal USA, with their extensive shipbuilding capabilities, bring a wealth of experience in designing and constructing vessels that meet stringent naval requirements. The competitive landscape for the MUSV contract is characterized by the convergence of technological innovation and proven capabilities, ensuring that the Navy’s requirements are met with high standards of performance and reliability.
Future Prospects and Strategic Vision
The procurement of MUSVs is a critical component of the Navy’s broader strategic vision. Admiral (ret.) Michael Gilday, former Chief of Naval Operations, emphasized the importance of unmanned systems in the Navy’s future operations. The Unmanned Campaign Framework outlines a comprehensive strategy for integrating unmanned systems across various domains, including air, surface, and undersea.
The Navy’s focus on smaller, dispersed platforms reflects a shift towards more flexible and resilient operational concepts. MUSVs, with their ability to operate autonomously or as part of a networked fleet, provide a scalable solution for achieving this vision. The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, further enhances the capabilities of these vessels, enabling them to perform complex missions with minimal human intervention.
In conclusion, the U.S. Navy’s initiative to acquire Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels represents a significant step towards enhancing its unmanned capabilities. The clear procurement timeline outlined in the recent RFI underscores the urgency and importance of this development. By leveraging existing designs and proven technologies, the Navy aims to rapidly integrate MUSVs into its fleet, enhancing its operational flexibility and strategic reach.
The historical evolution of unmanned systems, coupled with the current geopolitical landscape, underscores the importance of this initiative. The leading defense contractors vying for the contract bring a wealth of experience and innovation, ensuring that the Navy’s stringent requirements are met with high standards of performance and reliability.
As the Navy continues to advance its unmanned capabilities, the integration of MUSVs will play a pivotal role in achieving its strategic vision of dispersed and networked operations. The future of naval warfare is increasingly characterized by the convergence of manned and unmanned systems, with MUSVs at the forefront of this transformation.
APPENDIX 1 – Navy Extra-Large – Large – Medium Unmanned Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress
The U.S. Navy is pushing the envelope of naval warfare technology with the development and acquisition of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). This initiative includes programs for two large USVs—the Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV) and the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV)—along with the Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), also known as Orca. These advancements are part of a strategic shift towards a distributed fleet architecture, aiming to decentralize naval capabilities across numerous platforms to mitigate risks associated with concentrating significant capabilities into a small number of high-value ships.
Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV)
Design and Capabilities:
- Length: 200 to 300 feet
- Displacement: 1,000 to 2,000 tons (corvette-sized)
- Payload: Modular payloads for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and strike missions, including vertical launch systems (VLS) with 16 to 32 missile tubes
- Configuration: Optionally or lightly manned initially for operational concept development
Budget and Procurement:
- FY2025 Budget: $54.0 million in R&D funding
- Future Procurement: First LUSV in FY2027 at $497.6 million, followed by two in FY2028 at $652.8 million combined, and three in FY2029 at $994.3 million combined.
Operational Goals:
- High endurance and low cost
- Reconfigurability for various missions, primarily ASuW and land-attack
- Enhancement of distributed lethality in naval operations.
Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV)
Design and Capabilities:
- Length: 45 to 190 feet
- Displacement: Less than 500 tons (patrol craft-sized)
- Payload: Systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T), counter-ISR&T, and information operations (IO)
Budget and Procurement:
- FY2025 Budget: $101.8 million in R&D funding
- No operational MUSVs are funded for procurement in FY2025-FY2029. Initial prototype delivery is planned for Q4 FY2024.
Operational Goals:
- High endurance and low cost
- Reconfigurability to support various ISR and EW missions
- Inform future acquisition strategies through prototype testing and development .
Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV)
Design and Capabilities:
- Size: Comparable to a subway car
- Primary Mission: Deploy the Hammerhead mine, a seabed-tethered mine armed with an antisubmarine torpedo
Budget and Procurement:
- FY2025 Budget: $21.5 million in R&D funding
- Additional XLUUVs to be procured at $113.3 million in FY2026, $115.6 million in FY2027, $117.9 million in FY2028, and $120.4 million in FY2029 .
Operational Goals:
- Covert mine deployment
- Enhanced undersea warfare capabilities
- Incremental development through prototype testing and risk reduction efforts with Boeing.
Current Issues and Strategic Implications:
- The development of these unmanned vehicles aligns with the Navy’s strategic goal of distributing its offensive and defensive capabilities across a larger number of platforms, thereby enhancing operational resilience and flexibility.
- Budgetary allocations and procurement schedules are subject to changes based on technological advancements and testing outcomes.
- The integration of unmanned systems poses technical and operational challenges, including the refinement of enabling technologies and the development of reliable operational concepts .
Data Summary:
| Vehicle Type | Length (feet) | Displacement (tons) | Initial Payloads | FY2025 Budget (million) | Procurement Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LUSV | 200-300 | 1,000-2,000 | ASuW, strike | $54.0 | FY2027 (1 unit), FY2028 (2 units), FY2029 (3 units) |
| MUSV | 45-190 | <500 | ISR&T, IO | $101.8 | Prototype delivery Q4 FY2024, no procurement FY2025-FY2029 |
| XLUUV | Subway car size | N/A | Hammerhead mine | $21.5 | FY2026 (1 unit), FY2027 (1 unit), FY2028 (1 unit), FY2029 (1 unit) |
The Navy’s commitment to advancing its unmanned vehicle capabilities underscores a broader transformation in naval warfare strategy, prioritizing flexibility, distributed lethality, and cost-effectiveness in an era of evolving maritime threats. The future success of these programs will depend on continued innovation, robust testing, and strategic alignment with overall naval objectives
APPENDIX 2 – XLUUV Program
The Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) program, also known as the Orca program, addresses a Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON). The Navy categorizes XLUUVs as having a diameter greater than 84 inches, making them too large for launch from manned submarines. Instead, these vehicles are transported to forward operating ports and launched from piers. The XLUUVs are designed to accommodate a variety of large payloads, with initial payloads focusing on deploying the Hammerhead mine, a tethered seabed mine armed with an antisubmarine torpedo.
Source: Cropped version of photograph in Government Accountability Office, Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle[:] Navy Needs to Employ Better Management Practices to Ensure Swift Delivery to the Fleet, GAO-22-105974, September 2022, p. 7. The caption to the photograph credits the photograph to “Navy program office.”
Development and Procurement
- Initial Funding and Competition: The first five XLUUVs were funded in FY2019 through the Navy’s research and development appropriation account. On February 13, 2019, Boeing was selected to fabricate, test, and deliver the first four Orca XLUUVs and associated support elements, with a fifth unit added later. Boeing collaborates with Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Technical Solutions division for this project.
- FY2025 Budget Submission: The Navy plans to procure additional XLUUVs through the Other Procurement, Navy (OPN) account, at a rate of one per year from FY2026 to FY2029, with costs gradually increasing from $113.3 million to $120.4 million per unit. Testing and delivery of initial units have been delayed due to contractor challenges and supplier issues, with risk reduction testing ongoing through the use of a designated test and training asset (Vehicle 0.
- Recent Developments: Despite initial setbacks, the production line has recovered from COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges. Boeing expects to deliver the remaining five XLUUVs by the end of 2025. The design of the XLUUV is informed by Boeing’s Echo Voyager UUV, incorporating significant changes to meet military mission requirements. The Echo Voyager is roughly the size of a subway car, with a length of 51 feet and a range of up to 6,500 nautical miles.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
- Design and Dimensions: The Echo Voyager, which serves as the basis for the XLUUV, is 51 feet long with an 8.5-foot by 8.5-foot cross-section, weighing 50 tons in the air. It can be extended to 85 feet with a modular payload section and can accommodate both internal and external payloads. The modular payload sections offer varying internal volumes, up to 2,000 cubic feet.
- Operational Use: XLUUVs are expected to deploy mines and other large payloads covertly, enhancing the Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. The vehicles are designed for extended range and autonomous operations, representing the leading edge of autonomous maritime vehicle technology.
Notable Projects and Collaborations
- Boeing and Huntington Ingalls Industries: Boeing leads the design and construction of the Orca XLUUVs, partnering with Huntington Ingalls Industries for technical solutions. This collaboration aims to overcome manufacturing and material alignment challenges to produce the initial prototypes successfully.
- Future Procurement: The Navy’s FY2025 budget submission outlines plans for gradual ramp-up in quantities of XLUUVs in future fiscal years, contingent on the progress and performance of the first five systems.
