U.S. Navy provides Initial Operating Capability to Unmanned Influence Sweep System

The Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS), a part of the U.S. Navy’s suite of mine countermeasure system has been awarded the first ever Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for an unmanned surface platform by the U.S. Navy.

The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) declared UISS IOC on 22 July. 

The completion of the program involved the formal testing and delivery of a system with logistics and training material with appropriately trained Fleet personnel to execute minesweeping as part of the Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Mission Package (MP).

UISS is capable of being operated from littoral combat ships (LCS), shore, or vessels of opportunity (VOO). The system provides acoustic and magnetic minesweeping coupled with the semi-autonomous, diesel-powered, aluminum-hulled Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV). The MCM USV is an integral part of the MCM mission package and serves as the tow platform for both minesweeping and mine hunting missions.