Maneuver Support Vessel -Light (MSV-L)

Abstract

The Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) (MSV(L)) program element supports the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program. The MSV(L) is a multifunctional waterborne mobility platform, which displaces the current Landing Craft Mechanized-8 (LCM-8). The LCM-8 does not have the speed, functional draft (shallow water capability), and maneuver capability to move today's Army; cannot transport an Abrams tank. The MSV(L) provides the ability to conduct lift operations of combat loaded personnel and equipment in austere anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments, with increased speed, payload, and maneuver capability in shallow coastal waters, rivers, in narrow inland waterways in support of dispersed force elements, austere environments and/or where mature ports and road networks are unavailable. This vessel's capability supports transporting multiple combat configured ready-to-fight payloads with crew (i.e. an Abrams tank; or two Strykers with bar armor; or four Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs); or two 20 ft. or one 40 ft. ISO container (Intermodal container); or a Heavy Expandable Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT); or a Load Handling System (LHS), and trailer). The MSV(L) will incorporate new roll-through capability via stern access and bow ramps. The MSV(L) provides the capability to operate fully loaded at a speed of 18 knots in Beaufort Sea Scale 3 conditions, while being survivable (seaworthy) in Beaufort Sea Scale 7 conditions. The vessel's force protection attributes includes a subsurface surveillance device for obstacle detection and avoidance, protection from small arms fire, and two Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS II) for vessel defense, and the capacity to mitigate detection through reduction of thermal and acoustic signature. The MSV(L) provides increased capability that moves combat configured forces and supplies more efficiently than the LCM-8. Army Watercraft funding supports initiatives to enhance the seaworthiness, safety, and survivability while increasing the lethality, tactical mobility, and operational capability of the Army Mariner. Vessel lethality/Escalation of Force measures have increasingly become an area of vital concern to the Combatant Commanders (CCDR) given the requirement to preserve "freedom of the seas" access in all areas of the world, particularly the littorals, to support maneuver operations in all Areas of Responsibility. FY 2020 Funding supports modernization of the current Army Watercraft Fleet by investigating technology insertions including, but not limited to: condition based maintenance, vessel electronics, Victory Architecture, autonomous operations and other emerging technologies. Funding also supports developing initial prototypes to enable refinement of Operational Requirements and early user feedback to support future sustainment and operational movement operating concepts. Supports full scale prototype build.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2020
Source ID
EJ9_0604804A_5_2040_PB_2020

Tags

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics

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