Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV)
Abstract
The major goal for FY25 is preparing for the Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) for the LUSV POR which has a planned award in FY27. The Navy instituted a comprehensive system engineering framework and supporting land and sea based prototyping plan, which will be completed prior to commencing the formal program of record and LUSV production. In support of this, the Navy has developed a holistic USV work breakdown structure (WBS) framework to help coordinate developmental and systems engineering efforts applicable across the USV portfolio and efforts that are platform specific. The WBS categories are divided into broad key enablers, including HM&E (1.0), C4I (2.0), USV ICS (3.0), Common Control System (CCS) (4.0), autonomy (5.0), and prototyping efforts (6.0). The supporting land and sea based prototyping plan will use Prototype vessels and various land-based testing facilities to mature enabling technologies and qualify representative machinery. In support of the updated developmental and prototyping plan, the Navy is aligning Detail Design and Construction for the initial production of LUSVs with the risk reduction and qualification plans described in the program System Engineering Framework (WBS). In addition, the outcome of the Offensive Surface Fires Analysis of Alternatives (OSF AoA) is supporting the refinement of program requirements leading to the validation of a Capability Development Document, acquisition strategy, and timing for procurement. The Navy's new plan does not include procurement of any additional prototype vessels. The LUSV will be capable of weeks-long deployments and trans-oceanic transits and operate aggregated with Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs), Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs), Surface Action Groups (SAGs), and individual manned combatants. The LUSV will be capable of autonomous navigation, transit planning, and COLREGS-compliant maneuvering and will be designed with automated propulsion, electrical generation, and support systems. LUSV missions will be conducted with operators in-the-loop (with ability to provide continuous or near-continuous observation or control) or on-the-loop (autonomous operation that prompts operator action/intervention from sensory input or autonomous behaviors). LUSVs with integrated payload capability and prototypes employing non-organic payloads will not be capable of autonomous payload engagement or execution of a complete detect-to-engage sequence. The vessel will be incapable of payload activation, deactivation, or engagement without the deliberate action of a remote, off-hull human operator in the loop. The program will integrate current Navy combat systems programs of record that have been adapted to enable remote monitoring and operational control from an off-hull command and control point and will not be equipped with components that would enable payload engagement from onboard the vessel. USV Command and Control (C2) will be maintained via an afloat element (i.e., embarked on a United States Navy (USN) combatant), or via the ashore element (C2 station ashore). The LUSV program is continuing to execute a comprehensive land and sea-based prototyping strategy to develop and deliver incremental capability increases, demonstrate key autonomy and automation enablers, and improve reliability of representative machinery. The prototype vessels support this strategy by demonstrating successful integration of government furnished Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I), combat systems, and the reliability of automated hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems, eventually leading to a LUSV with the Unmanned Surface Vessel Integrated Combat System (USV ICS) and organic payloads. Early prototype vessels are enabling the Navy to accrue operational hours to gather data on autonomy, automation, and systems reliability, increase confidence in the man-machine team, and develop and refine unmanned concepts of operation (CONOPs) and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). The overarching LUSV development strategy views the purchase, fielding, and testing of the prototype USVs through the procurement of production USVs as a single developmental effort. The LUSV Performance Specification that will be released under the Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) solicitation will heavily leverage the results of the prototype USV developmental effort, land-based testing plan, LUSV industry design studies, and continued engagement with industry. The government furnished C4I suite, and the USV ICS hardware and software that will be incorporated into the LUSV will be developed under the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Enabling Capabilities (PE 0605513N). Payloads are being developed separately under other prototyping efforts and will be further developed and/or integrated into LUSV under the Enabling Capabilities project. Key combat systems, payload technologies, and enablers will continue to be developed and matured, leading to at-sea demonstrations, including a remotely commanded demonstration in FY 2024. The Navy is also executing a comprehensive reliability plan with the intent to discover and implement reliability enhancements into USV machinery plants as well as provide a means to qualify LUSV-representative machinery plants prior to award of the initial production of LUSVs. The effort leveraged industry engagement initially started under the LUSV Studies Contract effort, assisting the Navy to determine reliability enhancements, improvements, and other potential machinery plant architectures designed to achieve LUSV operational and reliability requirements. The Navy is continuing to test ancillary equipment and develop solutions for government-furnished engineering operations autonomy modules and machinery control systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 3066_0603178N_4_1319_PB_2025
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