U.S. Navy Achieves Key Testing Triumph in Unmanned Surface Vessel Initiative

WASHINGTON — In a landmark achievement, the U.S. Navy reached a pivotal point in developing Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) integrated systems by completing a challenging 720-hour power endurance test on an engine designed for future USVs. The exercise, a critical component of an extensive USV testing initiative, evaluated the systems’ ability to function autonomously for prolonged periods. This test represented the last in a series needed before moving forward with the development of larger USVs, solidifying the role of unmanned operations in realizing a manned-unmanned hybrid naval fleet.

The significant milestone stems from a mandate within the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation required the Navy to achieve this testing milestone prior to embarking on large-scale USV projects. Precise Power Systems spearheaded the final testing phase for Austal USA at Daimler Trucks North America Aftermarket Solutions in Tooele, Utah, spanning from June 19 through September 5. Supervision was provided by the Navy’s Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) and the Unmanned Maritime Systems program office (PMS 406).

Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, head of PEO USC, highlighted the strategic impact of the accomplishment, saying, “This milestone enhances our capabilities in unmanned operations. Demonstrating a power system capable of 30 days of autonomous operation without maintenance underpins our readiness to integrate manned and unmanned forces, keeping the Navy at the cutting edge of maritime innovation.”

The test required that the MTU 8V4000M24S engine operate continuously for 30 days without human intervention or maintenance, proving the system’s maturity for powering unmanned vessels. This success signals the propulsion system’s readiness for future USV deployment and guides further refinements to enhance reliability.

Prior demonstrations by five other teams validated additional engines over the same duration. Notably, in December 2023, Bollinger and Carter Machinery were first to succeed with the 1550 kW Caterpillar 3512C model engine. Other successes include Fincantieri Marinette Marine demonstrating the durability of Caterpillar’s 2300 kW engine, Gibbs & Cox verifying the Cummins QSK95 engine, Huntington Ingalls Incorporated achieving a successful demonstration with the MTU 20V 4000 M93L engine in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, and L3 Harris validating the Cummins QSK60 and QSM11 engines.

Capt. Matthew Lewis, Unmanned Maritime Systems program manager, commented on the importance of these demonstrations for unmanned capabilities, noting the commitment to delivering advanced, evolving solutions that address the Navy’s operational needs.

The Navy’s Unmanned Maritime Systems program, an element of the Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants, continues to innovate and provide systems for unmanned maritime operations, reinforcing the Navy’s strategic goals and enhancing its future readiness.