Textron Systems has revealed its Tsunami uncrewed surface vessel (USV) is among the platforms shortlisted to supply the U.S. Navy with new low-cost counter-drone capabilities.
This week the firm revealed its Tsunami 25 USV had been selected for the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU’s) Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads (SWAP-USV) Challenge.
The Tsunami USV is supplied in a range of sizes from 21 to 42 feet in length. The Tsunami 25 variant has a 400hp engine, a maximum payload capacity in excess of 1.5 tonnes, a range of 275 nautical miles, and is capable of a top speed of over 40 knots.
The Suitable Warfighting Adaptive Payloads (SWAP-USV) solicitation was issued by the DIU this summer, asking firms to come forward with low-cost uncrewed surface and air systems which could help fend off drone attacks.
It sought solutions which could carry, launch, and control at least two UAS capable of kinetic strike with a minimum 2kg payload, and carry out battle damage assessment (BDA). The USV had to have a minimum operational range of 200 nautical miles and carry a mix of recoverable/reusable drones and one-way effectors (OWE).
The competition will be run as a 12-month challenge with three phases. Integrated in-water testing under active radio-frequency jamming conditions commences shortly, to be followed by phase two focusing on expanded payload capacities, upgraded autonomy levels, and multi-vendor systems integration.
Phase three is scheduled for spring 2027 and will include the decisive evaluation hurdle, with successful platforms able to transition directly into prototype and production awards via the DIU’s $200 million follow-on procurement pool.
Referencing its initial selection, a Textron Systems statement read: “During this event, Tsunami 25 will showcase its autonomous transit capabilities, USV performance, modular mission payloads, sensor integration and more.
“We look forward to demonstrating the strength, reliability and mission adaptability as we continue supporting the needs of the warfighter.”
- You can read more details about the Tsunami USV on the Textron website and more about the DIU challenge on the DIU website
