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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
-
![Brazil’s naval ambitions now firmly anchored in Europe]()
Brazil’s naval ambitions now firmly anchored in Europe
With the Tamandaré frigate commissioned and a second batch under negotiation, Brazil is leveraging European partnerships to position itself as South America’s premier maritime power without surrendering industrial sovereignty.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![US Navy to accelerate the replenishment of SM-6 stocks as demand continues to surge]()
US Navy to accelerate the replenishment of SM-6 stocks as demand continues to surge
The Naval Sea Systems Command exercised a US$335 million modification to a contract with RTX Raytheon to support increasing the production of Standard Missiles 6 by 2030. Shephard spoke with the company president about how the company has scaled to meet demand.
