Ghostworks Marine has unveiled the designs and operational concepts for its maritime anti-submarine warfare (ASW) USVs utilising Ultra Maritime sonobuoys.
The 90-foot (27.4-metre) platform, dubbed "Medusa", will carry Ultra Maritime's mission pod and towed array. The 20-foot containerised mission pod was specifically designed for smaller, minimally crewed and uncrewed vessels.
The mission pod contains a complete ASW system including processing and is fully automated for remote operations.
"The hull design of the vessel allows sufficient payload capacity while maintaining high speed for the rapid deployment of ASW missions," said Ghostworks.
The Medusa will deploy Ultra Maritime sonobuoys with extended operational life and improved acoustic output. The USV will also carry Ultra Maritime's receivers and processing equipment.
"These vessels will integrate data from Ultra Maritime's towed array, sonobuoy, and other ISR/ASW sources within their fire control systems to track and potentially engage submerged targets," said Patrick Coughlin, EVP of Business Development for Ghostworks.
"Expanding on that capability, additional Medusa vessels can deploy Ghostworks' USVs, which can be fit out with tethered octocopters or balloons that serve as receivers for Ultra Maritime sonobuoy data.
"These USVs will remain on station for extended periods, providing persistent coverage. The M90 vessels manage all assets, allowing them to refuel and reload the USVs at sea, facilitating the task force's pursuit of submerged threats over long distances."