L3 Technologies Inc., Camden, New Jersey, is awarded a $60,480,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-6312 for engineering and technical support for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle program. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funding in the amount of $1,672,203 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The US Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
The Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) program will provide pier-launched, self-deploying, modular, open architecture surface vessels capable of autonomous navigation and mission execution. Leveraging new rapid prototyping authorities and mature commercial technology will allow us to quickly deliver a capable prototype to the Surface Development Squadron to conduct experimentation and learning in support of the Navy’s plans for a future fleet incorporating unmanned vessels.
MUSVs will support the Navy’s ability to produce, deploy and disburse intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities, and provide/improve distributed situational awareness and sensing to the battle force. Delivery of this first prototype is expected in early FY23. The president’s 2021 budget request for the Navy includes additional funding for a second MUSV prototype in FY23. The acquisition strategy for the FY23 vessel is to be determined, however, for flexibility, the development contract contains options for additional US
L3Harris will be the systems integrator and provide the mission autonomy and perception technology as the prime contractor on the program. The program team includes Gibbs & Cox and Incat Crowther who will provide the ship design and Swiftships will complete the construction of the vehicle. L3Harris is a world leader in actively powered Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) systems, with over 115 USVs delivered worldwide. L3Harris’ USVs are actively serving the Navy, universities, research institutions and commercial businesses.