GARC/TALONS demonstrated for LCS mission module

The US Navy has carried out an at-sea demonstration of the Greenough Advanced Rescue Craft (GARC) and Towed Airborne Lift of Naval Systems (TALONS) as part of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Module programme.

The GARC/TALONS prototype is being evaluated to provide enhanced communication ranges for the LCS Mine Countermeasure (MCM) mission package. The goal is to reduce the time needed to clear a minefield. 

GARC is a USV that deploys a parafoil-based system to relay data between the MCM USV and the LCS. TALONS relays data between the MCM USV and the LCS via the government-developed multi-vehicle communication relays system.

Godfrey Weekes, LCS Mission Module program manager, said: ‘This achievement marks an important landmark in the potential acquisition of an enhanced communication range solution for the navy. From concept to at-sea demonstration within ten months is quite remarkable and is in alignment with senior navy direction toward rapid acquisition.’

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