The US Navy has successful completed shore-based and at-sea integrated system tests on the prototype unmanned influence sweep system (UISS) at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Florida, US.

The phase 1 sweep operational checkout test involved confirming whether the system can be deployed and retrieved from a surface craft.

The prototype sweep power subsystem including magnetic and acoustic sweep systems was used for the first time in the test.

The system has been designed for the US Navy littoral combat ship (LCS) programme to provide unmanned mine sweeping capability that will allow the warfighters to stay out of the mine field.

The entire UISS system will be tested in a series of integrated systems tests to demonstrate minesweeping capability in preparation for littoral combat ship mission package integration.

Phase II of system testing is currently ongoing.