A Royal Navy experimental technology team is seeking to buy a £10 million uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for testing and trials as the Hybrid Navy transition gathers pace.
The Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office (DCTO) has issued a pipeline tender notice to acquire a Medium Uncrewed Surface Vessel (MUSV) “for the purpose of technology demonstration which can be delivered by the end of FY26/27.”
The drone platform needs to be capable of both standalone uncrewed operations, tasked from a shore-based Remote Operating Centre, and integrated operations alongside a crewed vessel or “mothership.”
It will be required to carry out multi-platform operations alongside other USVs, including long-range transits to operating areas, persistent loitering operations while deploying payloads, and a series of technology integration trials.
As per previously published guidance, the DCTO is seeking a 20-24m commercial off the shelf (COTS) solution which is already in, or soon to be in production.
It needs to be able to work in sea state 6 conditions and cope with sea state 7, where waves can reach heights of nine metres with winds of up to 40 knots.
The MUSV must have a minimum range of 1,500 nautical miles, and be capable of speeds in excess of 15 knots.
The contract’s length is 37 months, starting on March 1 next year and running through to March 31, 2030.
The estimated publication date of a tender notice is November 30: this date will mark the formal start of the bidding process, when potential suppliers can view the project details. It will also begin the countdown to deadline for submissions.
- You can read more details on the U.K. MoD’s Tender website
