The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) recently issued an updated solicitation for the Mining Expendable Delivery Unmanned Submarine Asset (MEDUSA).
This was the third such update following the release of the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) on the 30th of September. The scope of work will cover prototype design, fabrication, testing, and risk reduction efforts of the MEDUSA system.
While little is known about the MEDUSA program, the solicitation states that the Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406) is developing the system to ”address the need for an advanced maritime mining system with long-range offensive mining capabilities.”
The Orca XLUUV (illustration above) could potentially deploy MEDUSA as one of Orca’s mission sets is offensive mine warfare.
The system is similar to the MK 67 Submarine Launched Mobile Mine (SLMM) which carries a mine in the space meant for its warhead and wire-guidance equipment. The MK 67 SLMM (pictured below) is currently the only submarine-launched mine in service with the US Navy.
According to the US Navy’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, the system has a 53 cm (21-inch) diameter, long range, high payload placement accuracy, and can handle heavy payloads. The document states that the UUV will be impulse launched from the torpedo tubes on the Navy’s submarines.
The US Navy initiated internal development of the initial MEDUSA system in FY2017. This effort culminated in the completion of the prototyping effort in FY2021, which was followed by a launch of the system from a land-based test facility as well as a surface-launched in-water demonstration. During the test, the MEDUSA system was carrying a dummy payload.
These demonstrations informed a UUV program, which started in the following year. Under the new start program, the Navy outlined a detailed acquisition and requirements for the program. This paved the way for the RFP that was issued back on the 30th of September of this year. This will be followed by source selection in June of 2024 and a contract award in the fourth quarter of FY2024 for the fabrication of prototypes.
After the selection, the selected offeror will deliver four MEDUSA prototypes, and supporting equipment by FY2026. Submarine integration efforts are set to commence in the fourth quarter of FY25 following Preliminary Design Review, these efforts will last into FY28.