Metal Shark has unveiled a new high-speed unmanned surface vessel, a 21-foot (6.4-metre) military craft specifically configured for unmanned, human-in-the-loop operation.
The prototype was designed to offer the US Armed Forces and allies a low-cost multi-payload USV solution that could be rapidly produced and quickly fielded to meet emergent needs.
The USV is based on an existing Metal Shark monohull platform, of which the company has delivered over 400 to the US Navy as the optionally-manned "high speed maneuvering surface target" (HSMST) vessel.
“We’ve delivered the manned HSMST to the navy at the pace of up to three units per week,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard.
“Based on current capacity with this active production line we can deliver the [new concept USV] at the rate of one unit per day, and depending on configuration and equipment the cost of each asset will be significantly below $500,000.”
An in-built system provides remote operators with a graphic interface for command-and-control and situational awareness. It transmits and displays real-time vessel telemetry, contacts, mission status, and video while transmitting operator commands over line-of-sight (HF radio) and beyond-line-of-sight (Starlink satellite) links to the vessel.
It also sends this data over a secure VPN tunnel for integration into HQ operations. Operators can control the USV via desktop systems in operations centers or through a portable helm control station.
The USV features forward and aft payload bays that can each support a wide range of payloads including tethered or untethered UAV systems, various organically explosive charges, or other munitions or surveillance systems, which are hosted and operated via the vessel’s native software system.
It may be equipped with a range of diesel and gasoline propulsion systems. As equipped, the vessel boasts a range of over 500 nautical miles while cruising at 25 knots, with a top speed approaching 40 knots. At lower speeds a loitering time of approximately ten days is achievable, said Metal Shark.