Textron Systems' Unmanned Vehicle Technology Takes to the Sea

Textron Systems has expanded its proven unmanned systems command and control expertise into the marine domain. CUSV, or Common Unmanned Surface Vessel, is capable of executing mine warfare; anti-submarine warfare; communications relay; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; anti-surface warfare; and unmanned vessel launch and recovery missions. Such technology may be a glimpse into the future of naval combat and support. With more than 800 hours of in-water operation, CUSV is at the forefront of this emerging market.

CUSV excelled during the Trident Warrior 2011 experiment sponsored by the Program Executive Officer Littoral Combat Ship, directed by the U.S. Fleet Forces Command and hosted by the U.S. Navy.

Director, Fleet Experimentation, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Captain Carlos Conti said, "The CUSV was where we needed it, when we needed it, 100 percent of the time, making it a key contributor to our Trident Warrior 2011 experiment. Operating truly unmanned, CUSV's ability to operate by itself, or be maneuvered remotely from the Universal Control Station, was a great demonstration of 'sliding autonomy' between manned and autonomous vessel control."