Uncrewed Systems Elevate LCS Capabilities: Textron Systems' Aerosonde® UAS and CUSV® Craft in Action
The landscape of modern warfare is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and battlespace interoperability is more important than ever before. The synthesis of advanced uncrewed systems across multiple domains has become crucial for enhancing these operational capabilities and securing mission success. The Aerosonde® Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) and CUSV® craft (Common Unmanned Surface Vessel) have proven to be crucial assets in a variety of naval missions, from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations to mine countermeasures (MCM). Most recently, the Aerosonde UAS and CUSV have deployed together aboard the Independence-Class Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs), highlighting the complementary roles and capability advantages they offer. These technologies, working together, further enable information and intelligence sharing to enhance maritime domain awareness to ensure maritime security and stability.
The key mission sets of LCS include surface warfare (SUW), mine countermeasures (MCM) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW), making them the ideal vessel to integrate versatile uncrewed systems. The Aerosonde UAS, with its advanced sensors and extended flight endurance, provides real-time ISR and target detection, identification and tracking capabilities. The UAS covers vast areas, monitors maritime traffic and detects potential threats from a high vantage point, offering a comprehensive view of the operational environment for support of SUW. The CUSV craft can be equipped with sophisticated sonar and radar systems, with the ability to conduct detailed underwater scans, identify and neutralize mines and perform ASW tasks. By combining the aerial perspective of the Aerosonde UAS with the surface and subsurface capabilities of the CUSV, the Navy can achieve a multi-dimensional understanding of the battlespace, enabling effective mission planning, execution and maritime superiority.
The LCSs are designed for the littoral environment and are highly modular, allowing the integration of Aerosonde UAS and CUSV to significantly enhance operational flexibility and force multiplication. The Aerosonde UAS can provide critical data to support a wide range of operations through over 40 payloads available, with up to six on a single sortie. Its ability to operate at extended ranges and altitudes ensures that critical information can be gathered from a safe distance, without risking the lives of pilots or crew members. The CUSV features a modular design operating both autonomously and remotely, ensuring seamless integration supporting various mission packages, making it a highly versatile asset for LCS missions. Simultaneously, the CUSV can be tasked with mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions. The ability to operate autonomously or be remotely controlled ensures that it can perform high-risk tasks without putting sailors in harm's way. The combined deployment of these uncrewed systems allows LCS ships to execute multiple mission sets simultaneously, maximizing their operational effectiveness and reducing the need for additional manned assets. This optimization of resources ensures budget constraints do not compromise mission readiness.
The deployment of Textron Systems' Aerosonde UAS and CUSV on LCS marks a significant milestone in the evolution of uncrewed systems in maritime operations. By leveraging the strengths of both, these uncrewed systems are poised to make a lasting impact in surface warfare and mine countermeasures missions to enhance the overall effectiveness of LCS operations.