ThayerMahan's Outpost Unmanned Systems Offer Solutions Amid Submarine Production Delays
In the ongoing conversations between the White House and the Pentagon regarding the delays and cost overruns associated with submarine production, ThayerMahan, a prominent player in undersea surveillance technologies, has introduced its groundbreaking Outpost system. During a recent media inquiry, representatives from ThayerMahan were asked how their unmanned, long-duration acoustic sensing system could potentially bolster submarine surveillance missions.
The Outpost platform stands out as a revolutionary solution, deploying advanced acoustic sensing systems designed explicitly to enhance the capabilities of submarine missions. Mike Connor, Chairman and CEO of ThayerMahan, mentioned in an interview with The Day, a local newspaper connected to the electric boat manufacturing company General Dynamics, that this technology represents "disruptive technology" that can achieve objectives at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional submarine operations.
Having previously commanded the U.S. Submarine Force, Connor identified challenges such as labor shortages and supply chain issues well ahead of the current crisis. He observed that the post-World War II era saw submarine manufacturing dwindle to unprecedented lows, leading to a reduced workforce capable of producing highly sophisticated defense equipment. This situation has now culminated in a pressing shortage of submarines to meet global security demands.
In response to congressional requests for emergency funding of $7.3 billion to expedite submarine production, Connor argued that a portion of this funding should be redirected towards innovative methods like the Outpost system to address the immediate shortfall in undersea warfare capacity. While each submarine can cost around $5 billion and requires a crew of approximately 130 sailors, a single Outpost system can be developed at the relatively low price of $2 million and within months, offering immediate operational capabilities.
The unmanned vessels, powered by solar, wind, and wave energy, are equipped with sophisticated listening devices akin to those used in submarines. This allows them to provide real-time sensor data to shore-based operations. Thus, a fleet of Outpost systems could cover extensive ocean areas, enhancing maritime awareness for submarine commanders both above and below the surface.
Former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson has stated the importance of increasing sensor presence in our oceans, emphasizing that the need for quality and persistent sensors at an affordable price cannot be overstated. According to Richardson, the Outpost system aligns perfectly with these criteria, ensuring high-quality data collection while maintaining a focus on cost efficiency.
In light of the White House request for increased submarine funding, Connor expressed that prioritizing innovative systems like Outpost could bridge current and future gaps in undersea defense. He reiterated, "We will always need submarines for their missile capabilities and special operations, but they cannot keep pace with emerging global threats alone." He stressed the critical nature of securing our maritime domains, particularly as partnerships like AUKUS complicate the submarine production landscape. With the U.S. under agreement to provide Australia with subs, pressure on domestic production capabilities intensifies.
U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney voiced his support for ThayerMahan's initiatives, reinforcing that, "The submarine fleet needs to expand, especially with the commitments set by AUKUS." He further highlighted that the Outpost system presents a meaningful option for the Navy to ensure effective management of the undersea domain.
Through these innovations, ThayerMahan provides a path to greater operational effectiveness and security, potentially reshaping the landscape of undersea operations. As threats in the world's oceans persist, the commitment to enhancing capabilities through technologies like Outpost could redefine how the military addresses security challenges in the water. This trend towards innovation signifies a notable shift in defense strategies that focuses not just on traditional models but also on leveraging advanced technologies to maintain maritime security efficiently.
The Outpost platform stands out as a revolutionary solution, deploying advanced acoustic sensing systems designed explicitly to enhance the capabilities of submarine missions. Mike Connor, Chairman and CEO of ThayerMahan, mentioned in an interview with The Day, a local newspaper connected to the electric boat manufacturing company General Dynamics, that this technology represents "disruptive technology" that can achieve objectives at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional submarine operations.
Having previously commanded the U.S. Submarine Force, Connor identified challenges such as labor shortages and supply chain issues well ahead of the current crisis. He observed that the post-World War II era saw submarine manufacturing dwindle to unprecedented lows, leading to a reduced workforce capable of producing highly sophisticated defense equipment. This situation has now culminated in a pressing shortage of submarines to meet global security demands.
In response to congressional requests for emergency funding of $7.3 billion to expedite submarine production, Connor argued that a portion of this funding should be redirected towards innovative methods like the Outpost system to address the immediate shortfall in undersea warfare capacity. While each submarine can cost around $5 billion and requires a crew of approximately 130 sailors, a single Outpost system can be developed at the relatively low price of $2 million and within months, offering immediate operational capabilities.
The unmanned vessels, powered by solar, wind, and wave energy, are equipped with sophisticated listening devices akin to those used in submarines. This allows them to provide real-time sensor data to shore-based operations. Thus, a fleet of Outpost systems could cover extensive ocean areas, enhancing maritime awareness for submarine commanders both above and below the surface.
Former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson has stated the importance of increasing sensor presence in our oceans, emphasizing that the need for quality and persistent sensors at an affordable price cannot be overstated. According to Richardson, the Outpost system aligns perfectly with these criteria, ensuring high-quality data collection while maintaining a focus on cost efficiency.
In light of the White House request for increased submarine funding, Connor expressed that prioritizing innovative systems like Outpost could bridge current and future gaps in undersea defense. He reiterated, "We will always need submarines for their missile capabilities and special operations, but they cannot keep pace with emerging global threats alone." He stressed the critical nature of securing our maritime domains, particularly as partnerships like AUKUS complicate the submarine production landscape. With the U.S. under agreement to provide Australia with subs, pressure on domestic production capabilities intensifies.
U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney voiced his support for ThayerMahan's initiatives, reinforcing that, "The submarine fleet needs to expand, especially with the commitments set by AUKUS." He further highlighted that the Outpost system presents a meaningful option for the Navy to ensure effective management of the undersea domain.
Through these innovations, ThayerMahan provides a path to greater operational effectiveness and security, potentially reshaping the landscape of undersea operations. As threats in the world's oceans persist, the commitment to enhancing capabilities through technologies like Outpost could redefine how the military addresses security challenges in the water. This trend towards innovation signifies a notable shift in defense strategies that focuses not just on traditional models but also on leveraging advanced technologies to maintain maritime security efficiently.
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