Saab, BAE Systems to Develop Prototypes of Expendable, Unmanned Systems for U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center

Saab and BAE Systems will create “Delphinus,” prototypes of new, expendable, advanced unmanned systems by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane.

The Department of the Navy (DoN) was seeking a prototype support in maritime systems of expendable unmanned systems with subsystem integration.

The key objectives of the Delphinus Prototype include overall mechanical and electronic compatibility with modular payloads, inclusive of Neptune and other payloads to be integrated that will be provided as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). The GFE will maintain original design parameters and form factor to meet Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWAP-C) objectives, such that GFE payloads can be modular and interchanged. Delphinus will provide flexibility for integration and procurement of a vehicle that can be deployed and incorporate a modular payload. Delphinus will include design flexibility to identify and develop alternative designs for other form factors and deployment mechanisms. A balance between performance/capability and cost is desired to provide an expendable vehicle that can be affordably fielded in quantities sufficient to make employment feasible.

The Delphinus project’s period of performance will be defined based on the performer’s proposed schedule, but is currently estimated to be complete within 48 months for the entire effort.