U.S Navy Successfully Hits 720-Hour Milestone In Unmanned Surface Vessel Testing
The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act mandates a 720-hour generator test for the US Navy before the formal development of the Large USV.
1. Before the 720-hour demonstration, Congress mandated 100 hours of pre-testing.
1. No human involvement or preventative/corrective maintenance on the equipment was allowed during the demonstration.
Bollinger and Carter Machinery conducted this land-based test in Chesapeake, Virginia, for Caterpillar.
Thorough testing confirmed the mechanical reliability of the 1550 kW Caterpillar 3512C engine, meeting the 30-day operation requirements for an autonomous ship.
As part of the Navy's Distributed Maritime Operations strategy, the LUSV enhances the Fleet's missile magazine capacity.
1. The envisioned LUSV is designed to be over 200 feet long with a 1,500-ton fully loaded displacement. It is a modular, low-cost, high-endurance USV capable of carrying diverse payloads.
In 2020, six contracts for LUSV conceptual design aimed to refine program specifications and incorporate industry input on requirements.
Bollinger team is the first to complete the 720-hour no-touch electricity generating and distribution system demonstration.
Five LUSV teams are testing engine systems to meet the 720-hour performance criteria.