MEDIUM UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLES (MUSVs))

The Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MUSVs) program, funded under Program Element (PE) 0605512N, is a key component of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically within Advanced Component Development & Prototypes. The program's primary goal is to develop, prototype, and mature unmanned surface vessel technologies that will augment the Navy's Future Surface Combatant Force (FSCF. MUSV aims to deliver affordable, high-endurance, reconfigurable ships capable of supporting a range of missions, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T), Counter-ISR&T, and Information Operations (IO).

Project 3428 focuses on the research, development, and integration of modular payloads, autonomy software, and command and control (C2) systems. MUSV is designed for autonomous operation, with flexibility for operators to be in-the-loop or on-the-loop as required. The program leverages prior investments and demonstrations from DARPA's ACTUV, ONR's Sea Hunter, and OSD SCO's Ghost Fleet Overlord projects. These efforts have informed the development of robust autonomy, endurance, and C2 solutions, reducing risk for fleet integration and enabling parallel maturation of autonomy and payload technologies.

A significant objective of MUSV is the integration of the Unmanned Surface Vessel Integrated Combat System (USV ICS), which is essential for the command and control of sensors and payloads. USV ICS supports data fusion and integration with manned combatants, enhancing the Navy's common operating picture. In FY 2025, the program will continue laboratory testing of government-furnished equipment (GFE), including Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS) and C4I systems. The focus will be on payload integration, software and hardware development, and requirements documentation to support the transition to a formal Program of Record (PoR).

The Sea Hunter and Seahawk prototypes, operated by PMS406 and the Navy's Surface Development Squadron, serve as experimentation platforms to validate unmanned operations, test modular payloads, and inform the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). These vessels are critical for gaining operational experience, maturing technologies, and refining concepts of employment for future unmanned surface combatants. Additionally, the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) project, transitioning from DARPA to PMS406, will contribute to technology maturation and risk reduction for MUSV and future Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) programs.

The Small Unmanned Surface Vehicle (sUSV) Family of Systems is another line within this program, designed to meet urgent Geographic Combatant Command requirements by leveraging technologies developed under MUSV. The sUSV program emphasizes rapid integration of commercial innovations, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. In FY 2024 and FY 2025, efforts include finalizing logistics documentation, developing training programs, integrating and testing platforms, and conducting formal weapon systems safety reviews. The sUSV program also includes sUSV NEXT, which uses Other Transaction (OT) authority for rapid prototyping and competitive down-selection, supporting the Navy's need for scalable unmanned maritime capabilities.

The MUSV program's acquisition strategy follows a Middle Tier Acquisition approach, emphasizing rapid prototyping and risk reduction in accordance with Section 804 of the FY 2016 NDAA. The program is structured to mature technologies, validate requirements, and inform future procurement decisions through iterative testing and fleet experimentation. Key milestones include the development of a Capability Development Document (CDD), conceptual design contracts with industry, and the achievement of Milestone B in FY 2029 for the MASC program.