A Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV) at sea. (Textron Systems)
The US Navy recently awarded Textron Systems a contract worth up to $106 million to produce and support Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery Systems (PDS). This move signifies a significant leap forward in semi-autonomous mine countermeasure operations, underlining the Navy’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced maritime security.
Textron Systems, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., will deliver production units, spare parts, and engineering services for its Mine Countermeasure Mission Package (MCMMP). This contract expands the operational capabilities of the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV®) platform, enabling more efficient, safer, and reliable mine-clearing missions.
What Is the Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery System?
The Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery System (PDS) is part of the broader MCMMP initiative, designed to address the ever-present threat of naval mines.
Mines—both magnetic and acoustic—pose significant risks to naval vessels, disrupting shipping lanes and endangering maritime security.
Textron’s solution integrates advanced semi-autonomous systems to counter these threats, ensuring the safety of sailors while enhancing operational efficiency.
The PDS uses a towed acoustic generator and a magnetic cable to detect and neutralize three types of mines: magnetic, acoustic, and magnetic-acoustic combinations.
These advanced payloads are deployed via the CUSV, which offers a flexible platform for unmanned mine-clearing operations. This semi-autonomous approach not only reduces the risks to human life but also increases the speed and accuracy of mine detection.
The US Navy recently awarded Textron Systems a contract worth up to $106 million to produce and support Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery Systems (PDS). This move signifies a significant leap forward in semi-autonomous mine countermeasure operations, underlining the Navy’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced maritime security.
Textron Systems, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., will deliver production units, spare parts, and engineering services for its Mine Countermeasure Mission Package (MCMMP). This contract expands the operational capabilities of the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV®) platform, enabling more efficient, safer, and reliable mine-clearing missions.
What Is the Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery System?
The Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery System (PDS) is part of the broader MCMMP initiative, designed to address the ever-present threat of naval mines.
Mines—both magnetic and acoustic—pose significant risks to naval vessels, disrupting shipping lanes and endangering maritime security.
Textron’s solution integrates advanced semi-autonomous systems to counter these threats, ensuring the safety of sailors while enhancing operational efficiency.
The PDS uses a towed acoustic generator and a magnetic cable to detect and neutralize three types of mines: magnetic, acoustic, and magnetic-acoustic combinations.
These advanced payloads are deployed via the CUSV, which offers a flexible platform for unmanned mine-clearing operations. This semi-autonomous approach not only reduces the risks to human life but also increases the speed and accuracy of mine detection.
Semi-Autonomous Operations: Allows for efficient, human-supervised missions.
PayloadEndurance: Over 20 hours of continuous operation.
Speed: Can reach up to 20 knots (approximately 23 miles/37 kilometers per hour).
Stability: Designed to minimize pitch and roll even in rough seas.
Minesweeping Capabilities:
Towed Acoustic Generator: Simulates sound waves to trigger acoustic mines.
Magnetic Cable: Neutralizes magnetic mines by simulating the electromagnetic signature of a ship.
Combined Mine Detection: Targets advanced mines with both magnetic and acoustic triggers.
Deployment Versatility:
Operates from ports, well decks, and littoral combat ships, ensuring adaptability to various mission profiles.
A Decade of Innovation
This latest contract builds on Textron Systems’ long-standing partnership with the Navy.
Since 2014, the company has played a pivotal role in developing the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS), the Navy’s first payload delivery system specifically designed for uncrewed surface vessels.
Textron achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the UISS in 2022, demonstrating the system’s readiness for deployment.
Last year, Textron was awarded a contract for the Magnetic and Acoustic Generation Next Unmanned Superconducting Sweep (MAGNUSS) system, further enhancing the Navy’s mine countermeasure arsenal.
MAGNUSS aims to replace traditional towed minesweeping systems with next-generation solutions, reinforcing Textron’s reputation as a leader in naval innovation.
Purpose and Strategic Role in the US Navy
Mine countermeasures have always been a critical component of naval strategy, particularly in contested waters and near key shipping lanes.
With increasing maritime threats and the proliferation of sophisticated mines, the Navy requires advanced solutions that minimize risks to personnel while maximizing operational effectiveness.
The CUSV and its associated PDS fill this role by providing a semi-autonomous system capable of conducting high-risk missions without placing sailors in harm’s way. By integrating cutting-edge technology, the system enables precise and efficient mine detection, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce and the protection of naval assets.
David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Air, Land, and Sea Systems at Textron, summed up the importance of this innovation:
“The MCM mission package advances the Navy’s abilities with USVs, providing additional security for our sailors. This award builds on our expertise across air, land, and sea domains, resulting in a semi-autonomous solution that enhances integration and operational capability.”
The Future of Naval Mine Countermeasures
The $106 million contract is more than just a business milestone for Textron Systems—it represents the future of naval warfare. As the Navy continues to modernize its fleet and capabilities, partnerships with innovative defense contractors like Textron will be instrumental in addressing emerging threats.
This contract also signals a shift toward autonomous and semi-autonomous systems in military operations. By reducing the reliance on manned platforms for high-risk tasks, the Navy can allocate its personnel to more strategic roles while leveraging technology for precision and efficiency.
In the years to come, the MCMMP and its associated systems will play a critical role in ensuring maritime dominance for the US Navy. From safeguarding shipping lanes to enhancing the security of naval operations, these cutting-edge solutions are paving the way for a safer, more secure future at sea.
Textron’s continued innovation and commitment to excellence ensure that the Navy remains at the forefront of mine countermeasure technology, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
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