Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSV)

The Large Unmanned Surface Vessels (LUSV) program is a significant initiative within the Navy's Future Surface Combatant Force. It aims to enhance naval capabilities through advanced unmanned technology. The primary objective is to develop high-endurance, autonomous vessels that can support various payloads and augment the Navy's manned surface fleet. These vessels are designed for autonomous operation with operators in-the-loop for combat system control, ensuring seamless integration with existing naval operations. The LUSV program plays a crucial role in the Navy's Distributed Maritime Operations concept, which seeks to improve readiness and capability while reducing costs and risks associated with manned operations.

The development strategy for LUSV involves leveraging research and development efforts from previous initiatives such as DARPA's Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel and the Office of Naval Research's Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vehicle. These efforts focus on integrating government-furnished Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence systems and ensuring the reliability of automated hull, mechanical, and electrical systems. The program aims to demonstrate successful integration through prototype vessels that will undergo rigorous testing to validate autonomy, endurance, and payload capabilities.

In preparation for future production, the Navy has established a comprehensive system engineering framework supported by land and sea-based prototyping plans. This framework includes a work breakdown structure that categorizes key enablers such as hull, mechanical, and electrical systems; integrated combat systems; common control systems; autonomy; and prototyping efforts. The goal is to mature enabling technologies and qualify representative machinery before commencing formal production in FY 2027. Collaboration with industry partners is emphasized to refine requirements documentation and drive down costs.

The overarching strategy for LUSV development views the procurement of prototype vessels as part of a single developmental effort leading up to production. This approach allows for incremental capability increases and reliability improvements through continuous testing and industry engagement. The Navy plans to integrate current combat systems programs adapted for remote monitoring and control into the LUSVs while ensuring that payload engagement requires deliberate action from remote operators. This ensures compliance with operational safety standards while providing enhanced capabilities for naval missions.