British company Serco has been awarded a $68-million contract to assist the US Navy in developing autonomous driving systems for unmanned surface vessels (USV).
The company will support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division’s Naval Architecture and Engineering Department with creating and testing the USVs’ self-driving function, conducting systems integration, configuration management, and software development for the vessels.
The department’s involvement underscores its mission of providing the US Navy with “the world’s best naval architecture and engineering capabilities.”
Integration of the USVs into the navy’s future deployments will also be a component of Serco’s services.
Work is scheduled to commence in Virginia, with additional support in California, Mississippi, and Washington, DC.
Proven Track Record
Serco has previously provided support for other US Navy systems, including for the Naval Oceanographic Office and Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport.
“We are honored to further our work supporting the US Navy in the autonomous and unmanned vessel space,” said Serco CEO Tom Watson.
“These new ships will carry out important missions, improve operational efficiency, and most notably protect the lives and safety of our sailors.”
In September, the company was awarded a $200-million contract to sustain the navy’s anti-terrorist control and command, control communications, computers, and intelligence systems.
