Textron Systems Secures Major U.S. Navy Contract for Advanced Mine Sweeping Technology
Textron Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has been awarded a meaningful contract by the U.S. Navy to enhance its Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery Systems (PDS).
Innovative mine Sweeping Solutions
The newly developed Minesweeping PDS is designed to detect various types of mines, including magnetic and acoustic variants, utilizing a towed acoustic generator alongside a magnetic minesweeping cable.
Enhancing the CUSV® System
This contract will enable the CUSV® (Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle) to perform mine sweeping operations with a higher degree of autonomy, thereby improving its operational capabilities.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
Valued at $106 million, this contract encompasses the production of Mine Countermeasure Mission Package (MCMMP) PDS, along with spare parts and engineering support.The MCMMP is crucial for the Navy’s mine sweeping and hunting operations.
Long-standing Partnership with the Navy
As 2014, textron Systems has been instrumental in the design and production of the navy’s Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS), marking a significant milestone as the first mine-sweep payload delivery system tailored for Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) applications.
Recent Developments in Mine-Sweeping Technology
In March 2023, Textron Systems received the MAGNUSS (Magnetic and Acoustic Generation Next Unmanned Superconducting Sweep) award from the Office of Naval Research (ONR).this initiative aims to develop innovative non-towed sweeping capabilities to enhance existing mine-sweeping technologies.
Expert Insights on the Future of Mine Countermeasures
David Phillips,Senior Vice President of Air,Land,and Sea Systems,stated,“The MCM mission package considerably enhances the Navy’s operational capabilities with USVs,ensuring greater safety for our personnel. Textron Systems is adept at integrating technologies across various domains. This PDS contract not only builds on our existing expertise but also propels the navy towards a more integrated and semi-autonomous operational framework.”
