Big news splashed down from HII’s deck recently. They’ve just netted a hefty $347 million contract to craft pint-sized, unmanned submarines for Uncle Sam’s Navy. We’re talking about the Lionfish program, folks, and it’s all about sending these little submersibles on crucial underwater recon missions.
Here’s the lowdown: HII isn’t just building a couple of these gizmos. The initial order’s for nine, but there’s chatter about possibly ramping up to a whopping 200. These aren’t your granddaddy’s submarines; they’re based on the REMUS 300 model, known for being so compact that you only need a duo to handle them. Plus, they’re kitted out with the latest tech, meaning they can lug different gear depending on the mission.
Andy Green, the bigwig at HII’s Mission Technologies, couldn’t hide his excitement. “Lionfish is a game-changer,” he said. “It’s like giving the Navy a Swiss Army knife for their underwater ops.”
And Duane Fotheringham, the honcho of the Unmanned Systems group, was equally stoked. “This is tech that’s been through the wringer, and it’s ready for action,” he noted. “We’re all about giving our sailors an edge against the bad guys lurking beneath the waves.”
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So, how did Lionfish come to be? Imagine a bunch of defense tech heads huddled with Navy brass, brainstorming a gadget that’s part spy, part scout, and all cool. That’s pretty much the birth story of Lionfish.
Now, HII isn’t new to the submersible rodeo. They’re the top dog in underwater drones, dealing with customers from over 30 docks worldwide. They’re the brains and brawn behind the design, build, and maintenance of these mechanical fish.
But it’s not just about the hardware. HII has a legacy. For over a century, they’ve been the nation’s go-to shipbuilder, welding and wiring everything from battleships to cyber tech. They’re the silent guardians, the watchful protectors, the… well, you get the drift.
The Navy’s diving into the future with HII’s Lionfish program. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a revolution. With these high-tech tin cans, we’re ready to explore the deep, keep our seas safe, and maybe, just maybe, uncover the mysteries lurking in our own backyard. Anchors aweigh!