Navy launches Phase II for medium robo-ship project, seeks ‘innovative solutions’
WASHINGTON — The Navy is ushering in a new phase of integrating and testing medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSV) — and is seeking new solutions to include on its online marketplace for unmanned systems.
“MUSV uses modular design principles to create adaptable and resilient solutions that can effectively counter evolving threats,” the Navy said in a solicitation notice, posted on Sept. 23. “We invite interested parties with expertise in innovative solutions to complex problems, vessel construction, autonomy, perception systems, and general maritime experience to participate in this opportunity. Vendors will be evaluated on platform maturity, open-architecture autonomy compatibility, endurance, payload integration capacity, and rapid-production scalability.”
Specifically, the Navy is looking for vessels that can complete at least 10 days of unmanned operations, can accommodate a payload capacity of at least two standard 20-foot shipping containers, and that are no longer than 90 meters, according to the notice. Prior to Phase II, the Navy’s previous MUSV guidance issued earlier this year stated that designs submitted should hold at least two 40-ft shipping containers.
Vendors with successful proposals will complete a demonstration at sea, where the vessel will be evaluated on its sustained speed, maneuverability, fuel burn, among other criteria.
Approved platforms will be included on the maritime marketplace website where the Pentagon hopes to “rapidly configure and issue funded delivery orders for vetted maritime autonomous systems without redundant procurement cycles,” according to the solicitation.
“This open call will allow new entrants to compete and existing vendors to submit updated product blocks and modular payload configurations,” the notice said.
The Navy announced plans for an MUSV Marketplace in March as part of a new procurement model to acquire production-ready, mission capable platforms already available. Navy officials at the time described the marketplace as the first iteration of a recurrent marketplace.
The U.S. Navy is launching Phase II of its medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) project, seeking innovative solutions for unmanned systems. The Navy's solicitation, posted on September 23, outlines requirements for vessels capable of 10 days of unmanned operations and a payload capacity of at least two 20-foot shipping containers. Vendors will be evaluated on various criteria, and successful proposals will be demonstrated at sea.
- The Navy is launching Phase II for medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSV).
- The Navy seeks innovative solutions for unmanned systems.
- Vessels must operate unmanned for at least 10 days and carry a payload of two 20-foot containers.
- Successful proposals will undergo sea demonstrations.
- The initiative aims to streamline procurement for maritime autonomous systems.