Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV)
Abstract
The Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) is one of two Unmanned Surface Vessels in the Future Combatant Force (FSCF) program. The MUSV project provides resources for acquisition development, prototype testing, experimentation and support for the MUSV program development. The MUSV is defined as having a reconfigurable mission capability which is accomplished via modular payloads with an initial capability to support Battlespace Awareness through supporting Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR-&T), Counter-ISR&T (CISR&T), and Information Operations (IO) mission areas. Modular payloads may be developed separately by other programs or prototyping efforts and will be further developed and/or integrated into MUSV under the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Enabling Capabilities PE (0605513N) that supports MUSV and LUSV. MUSVs will support the Navy's ability to produce, deploy and disburse ISR&T/C-ISR&T/IO capabilities in sufficient quantities and provide/improve distributed situational awareness in maritime Areas of Responsibility (AORs). MUSVs will be capable of weeks-long deployments and trans-oceanic transits and operate aggregated with Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) and Surface Action Groups (SAGs), as well as have the ability to deploy independently. The MUSV will be a key enabler of the Navy's Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept. In FY 2020, the Navy conducted a full and open competition for a MUSV prototype, conducting source selection activities Q1-Q3 of FY20. In July 2020, the Navy awarded a Detail Design & Fabrication (DD&F) contract to L3 Harris for the delivery of the first MUSV prototype. L3 Harris is the system integrator, while also supplying the autonomy and perception systems. Subcontractors Gibbs & Cox and Incat Crowther will provide vessel design and modification services, while the vessel will be produced by Swiftships Shipyard. All work was planned to be performed in various sites along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. In FY23, the fabrication of the MUSV prototype was having quality issues. These issues eventually resulted in the Navy discussing alternative contract actions with Contracts and Legal due to the inability for L3H to provide the Navy the MUSV prototype. L3H and the Navy are still planning to complete the development of the MUSV autonomy software and install it onto a 406 owned prototype for program maturation. MUSV Machinery Plant - Supports prime contractor detail design, machinery procurement, installation and integration, and test/demonstration support for USV Land Based Test Site (LBTS). LBTS is required to demonstrate unmanned operation of main propulsion and electrical generation/distribution at a minimum of threshold mission duration requirements prior to entering MS B as required by the FY21 NDAA. MUSV LBTS provides engineering support for the detail design, procurement, installation and integration, test and demonstration plan development, and test and demonstration execution in support of MUSV program of record. MUSV Prototypes and sustainment project provides resources for the operation and sustainment of MUSV prototypes. The Sea Hunter and Seawhawk prototypes are experimentation vessels operated by the Navy's Surface Development Squadron, and are currently homeported in San Diego, CA. Seahawk was delivered to ONR and subsequently transferred ownership to PMS 406 Q3 FY21. No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) is planned to transition from DARPA to PMS406 in FY26. This vessel will help feed the MUSV PoR and will provide risk reduction and technology maturation through testing of equipment and tactics. Through continued operations and demonstrations utilizing prototypes, the Navy continues to gain valuable insights and lessons learned in the utilization of unmanned systems and their associated payloads. This knowledge influences both Concept of Operation/Employment doctrine to guide fleet operations, as well as requirements documents for future USV systems. USV prototypes will provide a means for demonstrating a payloads ability to operate in an autonomous manner with no engineering support for multi-day operations simulating a MUSV operational environment. USV Prototypes will inform PMS 406 on technologies for MUSV that demonstrate successfully the Navy's ability to produce, deploy and disburse ISR&T/C-ISR&T/IO capabilities in sufficient quantities and provide/improve distributed situational awareness in maritime Areas of Responsibility (AORs).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 3428_0605512N_4_1319_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: MEDIUM UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLES (MUSVs)
- Child Accomplishment: MUSV Product Development
- Child Accomplishment: MUSV Support
- Child Accomplishment: MUSV Management
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