General Dynamics Mission Systems recently delivered the first Knifefish surface mine countermeasure unmanned underwater vehicle (SMCM UUV) system under a contract awarded by the US Navy.
The contract, awarded in August 2019 immediately after approval was given to enter low-rate initial production (LRIP), calls for the procurement of five Knifefish systems – a total of 10 UUVs – and support equipment.
The UUV is designed to be deployed from the navy's littoral combat ships and other vessels of opportunity. It was designed using an open architecture concept that can be quickly and efficiently modified to accommodate a wide range of missions.
