The U.S. Navy is moving fast to acquire a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and hopes to award a contract for the USV by the end of 2019. Over the next two months, the Navy plans to issue a request for proposals for a new, medium-sized USV, up to 50 meters long. The Navy seeks a USV that can function as a sensor and communication relay as part of a family of unmanned surface systems being developed by the Navy. Additionally, the USV will be able to carry a payload similar to that of a 40-foot shipping container, return to port, and be capable of refueling at sea. The USV will also be able to autonomously operate at a cruising speed of about 16 knots, with a minimum range of 4,500 nautical miles, operated through a government-provided communication relay system.

In addition to these USVs, the Navy plans to invest to improve the technology on its unmanned underwater vehicles as well. The Navy also plans to add 100 personnel to its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) force so it can have a greater presence around the globe. These two additions to its fleet will allow the Navy to search bodies of water for potential dangers and neutralize threats much faster.

The Navy has eight (8) unmanned systems platoons now and will grow to 16 in the next three years. Unlike other parts of the EOD community, the men and women in the unmanned systems platoons are not EOD techs, but rather pull from a range of fleet ratings.

The Navy’s goal is to enable the unmanned vehicle to make decisions while it’s in the water, and reach a level of trust in the vehicle to make the right decisions. If the vehicle sees an object of interest, it can decide to take more passes at it so the Navy can better understand what’s there, which in turn will save team members the time of having to send out a second mission. We will provide updates on other maritime unmanned vehicle projects as the Navy invests more efforts in this area.

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Photo of Kathryn Rattigan Kathryn Rattigan

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy+ Cybersecurity Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security…

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy+ Cybersecurity Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security compliance. Kathryn helps clients review, revise and implement necessary policies and procedures under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She also provides clients with the information needed to effectively and efficiently handle potential and confirmed data breaches while providing insight into federal regulations and requirements for notification and an assessment under state breach notification laws. Prior to joining the firm, Kathryn was an associate at Nixon Peabody. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Stonehill College. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.

Photo of Jim Nault Jim Nault

James Nault focuses his practice on complex litigation, including patent infringement, trademark infringement, commercial disputes, breach of contract, and trade secret licensing disputes. Jim is a member of Robinson+Cole’s Business Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, and Appellate Groups.

Prior to attending law school, Jim…

James Nault focuses his practice on complex litigation, including patent infringement, trademark infringement, commercial disputes, breach of contract, and trade secret licensing disputes. Jim is a member of Robinson+Cole’s Business Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, and Appellate Groups.

Prior to attending law school, Jim had a career in the United States Navy’s submarine force, culminating in his tour of duty as Commanding Officer of USS Toledo (SSN-769), a 688-class attack submarine based in Groton, Connecticut. He retired as a Navy captain in 2008.