The US Navy has completed 720-hour continuous power evaluation of a 1550-kilowatt Caterpillar 3512C diesel generator for large unmanned surface vessel (LUSV) operations in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The test is part of the service’s efforts to utilize an engine for the “continued expansion” of autonomous missions and support the development of a future manned-unmanned hybrid fleet concept.
It was facilitated under the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, a US Congressional bill requiring the navy to accomplish a 720-hour test record before proceeding into formal LUSV development.
The directive sought an initial 100-hour generator test before the full 720-hour demo, which the Chesapeake trial also achieved.
Throughout the trial, human intervention and preventative corrective maintenance on the equipment were not permitted.
The US Navy wrote that the event concluded with the engine showing “sufficient mechanical reliability to support the requirements of an unmanned ship to operate for 30 days.” It is now eligible for use in the US Navy’s LUSV program.
Personnel who led the demonstration included experts from motor company Bollinger and Virginia-based engine producer Carter Machinery.
“This testing achievement is a key milestone for the Navy’s unmanned surface vessel programs and allows the Navy to move forward with developing and acquiring the [LUSV],” Unmanned and Small Combatants Program Executive Officer Capt. Kevin Smith stated.
LUSV Program
The US Navy signed six conceptual design contracts in August 2020 to consolidate program requirements and collect industry feedback supporting the LUSV maturation.
The Bollinger team is the first to complete the 720-hour “no-touch” electrical generation and distribution requirement for the project.
Meanwhile, the remaining teams are working to achieve the engine performance test.
“The LUSV will deliver adjunct missile magazine capacity to the Fleet as part of the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations concept,” the US Navy said.
“The LUSV is envisioned to be greater than 200 ft. in length with a full load displacement of approximately 1,500 tons.”
“LUSVs are intended to be low-cost, high endurance, modular USVs that can employ a variety of payloads.”
