US Navy completes GARC/TALONS demo for LCS mission package

The US Navy has recently tested a system that couples Greenough Advanced Rescue Craft (GARC) and Towed Airborne Lift of Naval Systems (TALONS) for the littoral combat ship (LCS) mine countermeasure (MCM) mission package.

According to an announcement from November 25, the GARC/TALONS prototype is being evaluated to provide enhanced communication ranges for the mission package with the aim of reducing the time to clear a minefield.

The week-long demonstration was completed Oct. 6.

“This achievement marks an important landmark in the potential acquisition of an enhanced communication range solution for the Navy,” said Capt. Godfrey Weekes, LCS Mission Module program manager. “From concept to at-sea demonstration within 10 months is quite remarkable and is in alignment with senior Navy direction toward rapid acquisition.”