Textron nets contract to develop mine countermeasure system that doesn't need towing
The MAGNUSS onboard payload system follows on from the towed mine sweep Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS) pictured above, which is integrated onto USVs. (Photo: Textron Systems)
Removing the need to tow an array would allow mine countermeasure USVs to access previously hard-to-reach areas.
The US Office of Naval Research (ONR) has awarded a new contract to Textron to build a new mine countermeasures (MCM) payload for MCM USVs that does not need towing.
Worth $20.7 million, the contract covers development of the Magnetic and Acoustic Generation Next Unmanned Superconducting Sweep (MAGNUSS) MCM technology.
The payload comprises a high-temperature superconducting magnetic source with advanced acoustic gear.
MAGNUSS is an ONR-sponsored future naval capability effort expected to transition into a Naval Sea Systems Command programme to equip the MCM USV.
Work on the contract is expected to be concluded by March 2026.
Textron Systems project
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
-
![UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats]()
UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats
Naval vessels are at high risk when in harbour, port or dockside and the threat from asymmetric attacks has been shown in the Ukraine war against Russian ships. A demonstration of combined systems in the UK hoped to show a potential solution to defence, government and commercial delegates.
-
![Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing]()
Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing
After troubled progress with the Littoral Combat Ship programme, the US Navy plans to commission USS Pierre (LCS 38) this autumn.
-
![Indonesia’s PT PAL reveals details about Red White Frigates]()
Indonesia’s PT PAL reveals details about Red White Frigates
The frigates are based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design but are substantially changed and include a range of Turkish weapons such as radars, sonar, guns and electronic warfare systems.
