USCG’s sUAS for NSC programme achieves milestone
The US Coast Guard’s (USCG) small UAS National Security Cutter (NSC) programme has received approval to progress to the next phase, the USCG announced on 23rd October.
The approval allows the programme to move onto its planned release of a request for proposal (RFP) and contract award for the UAS NSC capability. Under this phase, the programme will install small UAS infrastructure on an NSC and conduct operational testing of the capability.
Prototype UAS deployments on the coast guard's Stratton cutter has supported interdictions in nine of the 11 drug seizures the ship made during its summer deployment.
The USCG plans to release an RFP for a small UAS for NSC in early fiscal year 2018. The contract award for the retrofit of Stratton and installation on other NSCs is targeted for later that fiscal year.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
