US Navy's Unmanned Influence Sweep System takes next step.

According to information published by the U.S. DoD on July 28, 2022, Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) announced the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS), a critical component of the Navy’s suite of mine countermeasure technologies, has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC).
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Mine countermeasure Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV) is recovered onboard USS Manchester (LCS 14) during Unmanned Influence Sweep System Initial Operational Test & Evaluation June 2021. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) declared UISS IOC on 22 July. The program completed formal testing and delivered a system with logistics and training material with appropriately trained Fleet personnel to execute minesweeping as part of the Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Mission Package (MP).

Capable of being operated from littoral combat ships (LCS), shore, or vessels of opportunity (VOO), UISS provides acoustic and magnetic minesweeping coupled with the semi-autonomous, diesel-powered, aluminum-hulled Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV). The MCM USV is an integral part of the MCM mission package and serves as the tow platform for both minesweeping and mine hunting missions.

About the Unmanned Influence Sweep System

The UISS is designed to be deployed, operated, and maintained from a Littoral Combat Ship, adequately equipped vessel of opportunity, or from a shore site. 

The principal UISS system components are:

- Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)

- Unmanned Surface Sweep System including a power system, magnetic field generator, an acoustic generator, and handling equipment,

- Mine Detonation Detection system, Command Control Communications, and Computers (C4) suite

- Obstacle avoidance sensor package including a USV-mounted radar and visual surveillance system.