Small and Medium Unmanned Undersea Vehicles

The Small/Medium Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) Program (PE 0604028N) is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the capabilities of unmanned undersea vehicles with diameters ranging from 3 to 21 inches. The program supports a family of systems that can be launched and recovered by submarines, surface ships, or larger UUVs. It is designed to fulfill multiple mission sets including Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE), battlespace awareness, and mine warfare. The goal is to deliver baseline UUV capabilities and incrementally develop, prototype, integrate, demonstrate, and field small and medium diameter UUVs for use by various Navy and Marine Corps communities.

Project 1036: TETRA is dedicated to the development of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can be launched and recovered from submarine torpedo tubes. TETRA enables Subsea Seabed Warfare (SSW), providing real-time operational data and man-in-the-loop intervention capabilities. The program focuses on integrating multiple mission payloads, reducing stowage footprint through Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical System (SWFTS) integration, and transitioning from temporary alteration to Submarine of Opportunity (SOO) systems. Plans include assembling shipsets, integrating new payloads, conducting operator training, and supporting emergent classified payload development through the BootStrap initiative.

Project 2482: Small Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (SUUVs) centers on the development of advanced small UUVs for expeditionary mine countermeasures, data collection, surveillance, and IPOE. The program is implementing block upgrades to enhance detection range, communications, autonomy, cybersecurity, and payload integration. Efforts will continue fielding production units, maturing Forward Looking Sonar (FLS-9), advancing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, and initiating design and integration of Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS). These upgrades are aimed at improving operational effectiveness and suitability for fleet use.

Project 2483: MEDUSA is focused on developing a medium class UUV with offensive mining capabilities, designed for deployment from submarines via torpedo tubes. MEDUSA aims to achieve long-range, high payload placement accuracy, and integration with heavy payloads. The program has progressed from demonstration systems to competitive industry awards for tactical prototype development. Objectives include completing prototype design through Critical Design Review (CDR), continuing submarine integration, payload development, and ensuring system safety through engineering and Weapon Systems Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB) activities.

Project 3123: Surface Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (SMCM UUV), also known as Knifefish, develops medium class UUVs for clandestine mine detection in high clutter environments. The program has transitioned from low-rate initial production to retrofitting Block 1 capabilities, addressing bottom and buried mine hunting requirements. Activities are realigned under core technology payloads, with ongoing evaluation of new technologies, technical maturity, and platform integration options to close remaining capability gaps.

Project 3785: Razorback supports persistent, autonomous ocean sensing and data collection for IPOE missions. Razorback includes two variants (MK19 and MK20) with differing launch and recovery methods. The program is advancing technical refreshes for MK19, integrating passive propagation resistant batteries and cyber solutions, and finalizing termination of MK20 efforts due to schedule and requirements challenges. Focus will be on MK19 technology insertion, submarine combat system integration, and continued support for contract management and technical reviews.

Project 4023: Expeditionary Underwater Systems provides development for unmanned underwater systems supporting Navy Expeditionary forces, including EOD, Mobile Diving and Salvage, Underwater Construction Teams, and Mine Countermeasures operations. The program emphasizes portability, enabling safe approach and disposal of underwater explosive threats, and supports Maritime Homeland Defense and mine clearance missions. Priorities include delivery and testing of Viperfish UUVs, integration of advanced sensors, software maturation, and development of autonomy and automated target recognition capabilities to enhance detection and localization of underwater threats.