Persistent Systems has been selected by the US Navy to participate in a $982.1m indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to enhance data link capabilities for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).
The USV Family of Systems (FoS) contract, initiated in 2020, now encompasses 88 contractors tasked with aiding the Navy’s integration of USVs into its operational framework.
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Persistent has collaborated with the Unmanned Systems divisions of both Naval Surface Warfare Centers and Naval Information Warfare Centers.
The company will contribute its expertise in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
MANET solutions are expected to bolster secure and robust data links essential for research, development, test, and evaluation activities associated with the Navy’s USV endeavours.
Persistent Systems Business Development director Ed Leopold said: “As a leading provider of MANET solutions for this contract, we will serve as the critical data link for maritime unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, supporting numerous mission sets, including maritime domain awareness, sea control/sea denial, and swarming operations.
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By GlobalData“This is essential for maintaining real-time situational awareness for expeditionary forces and supporting collaborative autonomy of unmanned systems.”
The company’s MPU5 networking devices use the scalable Wave Relay MANET to create seamless peer-to-peer connections.
This allows for the efficient transfer of voice, video, text, sensor data, and GPS information without the need for external infrastructure.
Persistent has been actively supporting various naval initiatives over the past several months.
In July 2024, the US Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific awarded Persistent a contract to network USVs with individual operators, ships, and ground control stations.
Additionally, the company played a role in networking efforts during Valiant Shield, a biennial joint exercise conducted across the INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility.
Furthermore, during the Paris Olympics, the French Navy deployed Persistent’s MANET technology on both their vessels and shore infrastructure to help secure a sailing competition.
