Textron Systems showcased its cutting-edge manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities with the autonomous TSUNAMI™ vessel during the FLEX25 Hybrid Fleet Campaign in El Salvador, aimed at addressing modern counter-narcotics challenges.
At FLEX25, Textron Systems collaborated with the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and partnered with local forces, including the Salvadoran Navy, to validate the operational capabilities of next-gen unmanned systems in authentic maritime contexts.
Exercise Overview
This operation focused on tackling ongoing narcotics trafficking issues in the region, with the TSUNAMI unmanned surface vessel (USV) playing a pivotal role.
The exercise highlighted TSUNAMI’s real-time capabilities, utilizing intelligence from a Textron Aviation Beechcraft King Air aircraft outfitted with state-of-the-art radar technology. Based on this intelligence, TSUNAMI was directed to intercept a fast-moving drug smuggling vessel.
The event illustrated the vessel’s ability to receive, analyze, and act on remote data inputs, allowing it to engage the target vessel quickly and autonomously. The seamless data transfer and coordinated response underscored the potential of MUM-T, where the King Air crew conducted high-level surveillance while TSUNAMI and the Salvadoran Navy executed a synchronized intercept operation.
Additionally, TSUNAMI collaborated with other unmanned systems, autonomously sharing surveillance and targeting data. This unmanned-unmanned collaboration showcased the enhanced operational effectiveness achieved through the integration of advanced autonomous technologies, resulting in broader coverage and faster response times in intricate operational scenarios.
Insights and Implications
Textron Systems emphasizes that TSUNAMI’s interoperability across aerial and maritime domains illustrates the benefits of autonomous vessels that can seamlessly fit into existing joint operational frameworks. By leveraging high-resolution radar data, secure communication channels, and advanced mission autonomy, Textron Systems’ solution significantly improved intelligence gathering, speed, and precision in counter-narcotics operations.
The exercise highlighted the essential capabilities that unmanned systems contribute to various mission profiles, including extended surveillance capabilities, minimized risk to personnel, and enhanced interception success rates against agile threats.
