Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSV)

The Large Unmanned Surface Vessels (LUSV) program, funded under Program Element (PE) 0603178N, is a key research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative within the U.S. Navy's Future Surface Combatant Force (FSCF) strategy. The primary objective is to mature and prototype large unmanned surface vessels that can operate autonomously for extended durations, augmenting the Navy's manned surface fleet. The program aims to deliver affordable, high-endurance ships capable of supporting a variety of payloads for distributed maritime operations. This increases fleet readiness, capacity, and capability at reduced procurement and sustainment costs.

The LUSV Project (3066) specifically focuses on the prototyping phase, which involves close collaboration with industry to reduce technical and production risks prior to serial vessel production. In FY 2026, the program will emphasize industry design maturation, risk reduction, and the qualification of representative machinery through land and sea-based testing. The Navy has instituted a comprehensive system engineering framework, including a holistic work breakdown structure (WBS) that covers hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I), the Unmanned Surface Vessel Integrated Combat System (USV ICS), autonomy, and prototyping efforts. These efforts are designed to ensure that LUSVs meet operational requirements for weeks-long deployments, autonomous navigation, and compliance with maritime regulations.

A major goal for FY 2026 is the continued development and demonstration of enabling technologies, such as automated propulsion and electrical generation systems, as well as the integration of government-furnished C4I and combat systems. The program will also refine concepts of operation (CONOPS) and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) through operational hours accrued by prototype vessels. The acquisition strategy leverages lessons learned from previous efforts to inform the integration of autonomy and remote control technologies.

The Support Activities within the LUSV program include technology maturation, requirements refinement, and the development of acquisition documentation such as system engineering plans, test and evaluation master plans, cybersecurity strategies, and logistics support plans. In FY 2026, support efforts will focus on prototype maintenance, logistics planning, and documentation finalization to ensure a smooth transition to production. Industry feedback will be incorporated into draft requests for proposals (RFPs), and lessons learned from prototype operations will be used to update requirements and improve unmanned operations.

The Management Services component provides oversight and support for the acquisition process, including the development of governing program documentation and the management of source selection evaluations. In FY 2026, management efforts will concentrate on supporting the RFP process, logistics coordination, and ensuring successful evaluation and award of follow-on production contracts. This oversight is essential for maintaining program alignment with schedule and budget goals.

The Congressional Adds (Project 9999) for FY 2025 provide targeted funding for the investigation and testing of gas turbine power and propulsion systems for LUSVs. This effort includes evaluating options, selecting a course of action, and developing a comprehensive test plan to assess the viability of gas turbine technologies in unmanned surface vessel applications. The results of these tests will inform future propulsion system choices and contribute to the overall reliability and performance of LUSVs.