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TAS and Devil Ray craft for a number of reasons. First, they Naval Research, the T38 or T12 will have the ability to launch come in different sizes with the same hull, mechanical and elec- uncrewed aerial vehicles to conduct overhead ISR.

trical (HME) attributes. Second, the Sea Hunter is too large to For the MCM mission, the LUSV can deliver several T38s ? t into the LUSVs the Navy is considering. Third, the CUSV is equipped with mine-hunting and mine-clearing systems (all the MUSV of choice for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mine- of which are COTS platforms tested extensively in Navy ex-

Countermeasures Mission Package, and all CUSVs scheduled ercises). These vessels can then undertake the “dull, dirty and to be procured are committed to this program. dangerous” work previously conducted by Sailors who had to

This scenario and CONOPS is built around an Expedition- operate in the mine? eld. ary Strike Group underway in the Western Paci? c. This Strike While the full details of how this CONOPS plays out is be-

Group includes three LUSVs under supervisory control from a yond the scope of this article, this innovative approach ac- large amphibious ship. Then-Chief of Naval Operations, Admi- complishes an important goal. If the U.S. Navy wants to keep ral Michael Gilday suggested this CONOPS in early 2022 when its multi-billion-dollar capital ships out of harm’s way, it will he noted that he: “Wants to begin to deploy large and medium- need to surge uncrewed maritime vessels into the contested sized uncrewed vessels as part of carrier strike groups and am- battlespace while its manned ships stay out of range of adver- phibious ready groups in 2027 or 2028, and earlier if I can.” sary A2/AD systems.

Depending on the size that is ultimately procured, the LUSV To be clear, this is not a platform-speci? c solution, but rath- can carry a number of T38 Devil Ray uncrewed surface vehicles er a concept. When ? eet operators see a capability with dif- and deliver them to a point near the intended area of operations. ferent size unmanned COTS platforms in the water working

The T38 can then be sent independently to perform the ISR mis- together and successfully performing the missions presented sion, or alternatively, can launch one or more T12 MANTAS in this article, they will likely press industry to produce even

USVs to perform this mission. Building on work conducted by more-capable platforms to perform these missions. This is a the Navy laboratory community and sponsored by the Of? ce of win-win for the Navy and industry.

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