US Navy takes first step towards large unmanned surface vessel
The US Navy, having previously operated medium-sized unmanned surface vessels (USVs), is now initiating a move towards developing a Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV). The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) of the US Department of the Navy has released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights from the industry about potential capabilities for the LUSV. The document details that the desired LUSV should be a durable, cost-effective asset, capable of lengthy deployments, including trans-oceanic journeys. It's envisaged that the platform will operate alongside various naval groups and individual manned vessels. This initiative is driven by the Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants, which is formulating the specific design and construction requirements for the LUSV. Notably, the US Navy already uses platforms like Overlord, Nomad, Mariner, Ranger, Seahawk, and Sea Hunter USVs, with companies like Leidos managing these under significant contracts. In a milestone event in 2019, the USV Sea Hunter autonomously navigated a round trip from San Diego to Pearl Harbor without a crew.