The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has begun conducting tests of a new at-sea refuelling system to be used by the unmanned surface vessel (USV) demonstrator Defiant.
The tests were conducted with the assistance of the US Navy's Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office and USV Squadron 1. The US Navy USVs Mariner and Ranger were used for the at-sea phase of the tests.
The refuelling system is being developed to reduce the need for embarked personnel who will handle the necessary refuelling equipment, as is the case with crewed navy vessels.
For the tests, Ranger was fitted with a receiving station similar to what will be installed on Defiant while Mariner had a refuelling station installed. Crews were embarked on both vessels during the trials as a safety precaution, though DARPA said the fuel receiving phase on Ranger did not involve any personnel.
The next stage of the trials will include Defiant following the installation of a receiving station. The new USV is scheduled to commence at-sea demonstration sailings in the spring of 2025.