US Navy Medium USV Program Prototype Under Development

By Mike Ball / 22 Aug 2020

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
US Navy MUSV program
Follow UST

US Navy MUSV program

The U.S. Navy has contracted L3Harris Technologies to develop a prototype for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) program, the aim of which is to develop an unmanned vessel to support the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations strategy.

This strategy, driven by new potential threats in the maritime domain, involves dispersing naval vessels over vast areas and coordinating their operations via a secure communications grid.

The initial contract forms part of a larger award that includes options for a total of nine final production MUSVs. The MUSV will provide ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) capability to Navy fleets while maneuvering autonomously and complying with international Collision Regulations, even in operational environments. The prototype will be based on a purpose-built 195-foot commercially derived vehicle and fitted with L3Harris’ ASView autonomy technology.

Working from a facility along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, L3Harris will act as the prime contractor and systems integrator, and provide the mission autonomy and perception technology for the vessel. The program team includes Gibbs & Cox and Incat Crowther, who will provide the ship design, and Swiftships, who will complete the construction of the vehicle.

Sean Stackley, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris, commented; “The MUSV program award reinforces our investments in the unmanned market and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bring mission-critical capabilities to our warfighters. 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.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
ARK Electronics Expands Presence on DIU Blue UAS Framework

ARK Electronics' M.2 LTE Module has been added to the DIU Blue UAS Framework, joining other NDAA-compliant components approved for U.S. defense applications

May 15, 2025
ZIYAN Tech to Showcase Unmanned Helicopters at Shenzhen Exhibition

ZIYAN Tech will present their range of unmanned technologies at the Shenzhen International UAV Exhibition, including heavy-lift cargo delivery and long-endurance helicopter UAVs

May 15, 2025
ATAK UAS TOOL Integration for the Vision2 GCS

Vantage Robotics has integrated ATAK and UAS Tool directly into the Vision2 GCS, enabling military operators to control the Vesper drone and manage tactical awareness seamlessly on a single device

May 15, 2025
New High-Energy Lithium-Ion Battery Introduced for VTOL UAVs

T-DRONES has launched the 8S 14.4Ah lithium-ion battery, offering enhanced energy density and long endurance for VTOL UAVs such as the VA17 drone

May 15, 2025
HP to Demonstrate Advanced 3D Printing Innovations at XPONENTIAL 2025

HP Advanced Manufacturing (HP) will exhibit its latest 3D printing technologies for drone and robotics applications at XPONENTIAL 2025

May 15, 2025

Featured Content

Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
New Tactical Grade IMU from Inertial Labs for UAVs & Guided Munitions

Inertial Labs has launched the IMU-H100, a compact, tactical-grade MEMS IMU designed to enhance precision navigation for UAVs and guided systems

May 08, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.