Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders
The US shipyard’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV) will have a range of more than 500 nautical miles.
Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has reintroduced steam to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) aircraft carrier to allow final testing of its steam-powered systems to begin, the company announced on 27 August.
The carrier is currently moored at the division's facility and is in the last stages of a mid-life refuelling and complex overhaul (RCOH). Testing of the steam-powered systems on board have begun, including the electrical generators and main engine complex.
The RCOH of the USS Abraham Lincoln began in March 2013, with the complete process taking around 44 months. The ship is scheduled to return to the US Navy fleet in 2016. Once the RCOH is complete, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will be equipped to operate for the second half of its 50-year expected service life.
Chris Miner, vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programs, Newport News Shipbuilding, said: 'As steam is reintroduced into Lincoln's piping systems and equipment is operated, the ship is truly coming back to life. Once the work and final testing, including sea trials, is complete, Lincoln will be redelivered to the navy as one of the most technologically advanced Nimitz-class carriers in the fleet.'
Capt Ronald Ravelo, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln, said: 'We achieved another major milestone recently by establishing shore-steaming capabilities, thanks to my counterparts at Newport News Shipbuilding, but also to the men and women serving aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and many others who all played an important role in accomplishing this feat.'
The US shipyard’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV) will have a range of more than 500 nautical miles.
Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) will supply uncrewed naval systems and supporting command and control equipment to support counter-mine operations with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.