MacArtney supplies custom winches for Textron’s USV

Leveraging its in-house expertise and a long-standing collaboration with Textron Systems, MacArtney Underwater Technology is designing the winches for the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV) used in the US Navy’s Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV) programme.

Textron initially placed an order in 2015 for winches designed to meet the rigorous MIL standard 901D for shock and vibration.

Following a comprehensive ‘Winch Improvement Programme,’ MacArtney has now received an order for four more. This programme aimed to enhance the design and performance of the winches in alignment with Textron Systems’ transition of the CUSV system from a prototype stage to low-rate production.

Specifically engineered for mine countermeasures operations, the CUSV system is a versatile unmanned surface vehicle with a considerable payload capacity. Its adaptable configuration enables it to sweep, locate and neutralise mines and explosive devices without human intervention.

Given the demanding operational conditions, MacArtney’s winches installed on Textron Systems’ CUSV have undergone a rigorous ruggedisation programme using lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminium and special alloys, enabling increased pull force-to-winch weight ratio. Better fuel capacity has been incorporated into the winches to ensure sustained performance.

Kim Schultz, project manager at MacArtney, has been overseeing the programme since its inception in 2015.

“MacArtney is proud to support Textron Systems in the development of unique autonomous defence technology,” she says. “This fascinating project involves our dedicated in-house design and production teams, and we have maintained regular biweekly conference calls with Textron Systems throughout the entire process.”

Beyond its role in mine countermeasures, the CUSV boasts versatile technology that enables its use in a wide array of defence and commercial applications.

With a legacy of empowering underwater technology dating back to 1978, MacArtney Underwater Technology has established itself as a trusted and experienced provider of instrumentation platforms, underwater telemetry systems, and deployment and recovery systems for the ocean science, naval, and defence industries.