USCG preps for UAS integration
The US Coast Guard is moving toward the release of a request for proposal for a small UAS capability for its National Security Cutters (NSCs), with a number of training and concept of operations development projects underway.
As part of work to stay informed on the state of the UAS market, acquisition personnel have attended operational training with Insitu to achieve the certification required to operate the ScanEagle UAS.
The coast guard will use a contractor-owned and -operated ScanEagle UAS this winter to test integration and a concept of operations for UAS on USCGC Stratton based in Alameda, California. The service will use the deployment data to refine requirements for installing and integrating future systems across the NSC class.
The training course will also help the acquisition programme to more effectively analyse and assess potential UAS for NSC solutions.
The course included training to perform launch, recovery and minor maintenance. A ten day mission coordinator course was also carried out by Stratton crew to better understand capabilities, limitations and standard operation of the ScanEagle and the command, control and coordination functions to smoothly integrate operations.
The Coast guard plans to release a request for proposal for small UAS for NSC capability by the end of 2017, with contract award for the retrofit of Stratton and one additional NSC targeted for 2018.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
![German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties]()
German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties
The test-firing of an Israel Aerospace Industries LORA ballistic missile from a German vessel highlights the Bundeswehr’s focus on speed to capability as it trials Israel’s operationally proven technology.
-
![Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market]()
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
-
![Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge]()
Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge
New Zealand’s evaluation of the Mogami and Arrowhead 140 frigate designs reflects a wider push for alliance interoperability, and points to a larger recapitalisation of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet beyond the current programme.
