MCM integration tests in LCS

SAN DIEGO - The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Module Program effectively completed the shipboard integration testing of two unmanned systems aboard USS Independence (LCS 2) on Jan. 14, reads a media release from Naval Sea Systems Command. The Knifefish unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) and the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS) are part of the Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Mission Package (MP). Both Knifefish and UISS verified the communications link between the first in-class Independence – built at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. - and the unmanned systems MQ-8B Fire Scout helicopter - executed multiple launch and recovery evolutions from LCS 2. These tests marked a milestone for the LCS Mission Module Program having successfully tested each vehicle in the MCM program aboard the Independence-variant LCS. The tests are a subset of the overall testing program. The LCS program office will continue to incrementally deliver MCM MP systems to the fleet in advance of the formal MCM MP initial operational test and evaluations starting in 2021. (Source: Seapower 01/24/19) Knifefish was initially conceived out of Navy-Panama City, Fla.