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
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