$281 Million for Prototype and Nine Vehicles
L3Harris Technologies has received a contract from the US Navy for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) programme, the Navy’s first programme for a USV to support its Distributed Maritime Operations strategy.
The $35 million (€29.5 million) initial award is part of a $281 million programme that includes a prototype and options for a total of nine MUSVs. L3Harris will integrate the company’s ASView autonomy technology into a purpose-built 19ft commercially-derived vehicle from a facility in Louisiana. The MUSV will provide ISR to the fleet while manoeuvring autonomously and complying with international collision regulations, even in operational environments.
“The MUSV program award reinforces our investments in the unmanned market and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bring mission-critical capabilities to our warfighters,” commented Sean Stackley, the company’s President, Integrated Mission Systems. “L3Harris is continuing to develop a full range of highly reliable and affordable autonomous maritime capabilities to enable distributed maritime operations in support of the National Defense Strategy.”
L3Harris will be the systems integrator and provide mission autonomy and perception technology as prime contractor. Other tam members include Gibbs & Cox and Incat Crowther, who will provide the ship design: Swiftships will complete construction of the vehicle.
L3Harris has delivered over 115 USVs worldwide to date, to the USN, universities, research institutions and commercial businesses.
