(U)LARGE UNMANNED SURFACE VESSELS (LUSVs)

The major goal for FY26 is conducting a prototyping phase in order to work with industry on reducing risk in preparation for serial production of vessels. This phase will focus on industry designs to ensure designs are producible and executable given budget and schedule goals. The Navy instituted a comprehensive system engineering framework and supporting land and sea based prototyping plan, which will be completed prior to commencing production. In support of this, the Navy has developed a holistic USV work breakdown structure (WBS) framework to help coordinate developmental and systems engineering efforts applicable across the USV portfolio and efforts that are platform specific. The WBS categories are divided into broad key enablers, including HM&E (1.0), C4I (2.0), USV ICS (3.0), Common Control System (CCS) (4.0), autonomy (5.0), and prototyping efforts (6.0). USVs will be capable of weeks-long deployments and trans-oceanic transits and operate aggregated with Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs), Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs), Surface Action Groups (SAGs), and individual manned combatants. USVs will be capable of autonomous navigation, transit planning, and COLREGS-compliant maneuvering and will be designed with automated propulsion, electrical generation, and support systems. USV missions will be conducted with operators in-the-loop (with ability to provide continuous or near- continuous observation or control) or on-the-loop (autonomous operation that prompts operator action/intervention from sensory input or autonomous behaviors). USVs with integrated payload capability and prototypes employing non-organic payloads will not be capable of autonomous payload engagement or execution of a complete detect-to-engage sequence. The vessel will be incapable of payload activation, deactivation, or engagement without the deliberate action of a remote, off-hull human operator in the loop. The program will integrate current Navy combat systems programs of record that have been adapted to enable remote monitoring and operational control from an off-hull command and control point and will not be equipped with components that would enable payload engagement from onboard the vessel. USV Command and Control (C2) will be maintained via an afloat element (i.e., embarked on a United States Navy (USN) combatant), or via the ashore element (C2 station ashore).

Investigate options for Gas turbine testing. Select course of action for Gas turbine testing. Develop and execute plan for testing gas turbine testing.