Maritime Tactical Systems (Martac) has partnered with Florida boatbuilder Solace Boats to add annual production capacity for 100 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessels (USVs), the company announced on Tuesday, September 15.
Martac said the manufacturing agreement would help meet growing demand from US and allied governments for autonomous maritime systems. The Melbourne, Florida-based company also tied the expansion to national security requirements.
Solace will provide access to its 200,000-square-foot facility, where vacuum-infusion work and catamaran-hull production are carried out. The company builds its boats in Edgewater, Florida.
Martac CEO Tony Smeraglinolo said the agreement showed how the company could expand production by using the workforce and capacity of marine manufacturers in its region. Martac said the approach would help reduce lead times and capital constraints while increasing output of mission-ready autonomous vessels.
The agreement follows a co-production partnership with Mystic Powerboats announced on June 1. Martac described that deal as the first of several planned domestic manufacturing partnerships intended to expand surge capacity, diversify its supply chain and shorten delivery times.