This week's unmanned craft roundup focuses on the defence and security sector with new deliveries in the US, the UK, and Kuwait. Also in the US, a new type of autonomous craft is undergoing testing while another will soon begin undergoing large-scale manufacture.
Massachusetts-based autonomous systems specialist Scientific Systems recently unveiled a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed to address the US Navy’s operational need for a small unmanned interceptor craft.
Scientific Systems has designated the craft as a "vehicle for expeditionary naval over-the-horizon missions" (Venom). The company said the USV has demonstrated its seakeeping performance and autonomy behaviours during sea trials and is now available for procurement by the US Department of Defense (DOD) and other government agencies.
Kongsberg Discovery has decided to start production of its Hugin autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the United States, with distribution of the craft to customers to be undertaken by Kongsberg Discovery US (formerly Kongsberg Underwater Technology).
"This strategic decision reflects our commitment to support the growing demand for advanced subsea technology in the US market," said Martin Wien Fjell, President of Kongsberg Discovery.
US defence technology company Raytheon has demonstrated its Barracuda unmanned mine neutralisation vehicle (MNV) in an untethered, semi-autonomous operation for the first time during recent open water testing in Narragansett Bay off Rhode Island.
Raytheon said that during the demonstration, Barracuda proved its ability to autonomously navigate, communicate, detect and identify targets, and operate independently underwater.
The Royal Navy has accepted a new crewless minesweeping system into service. The system is designed to allow personnel to hunt and destroy naval mines remotely.
The new system, which consists of an uncrewed surface vessel and "sophisticated" payloads, was developed and manufactured in the UK by Dorset-based TKMS Atlas UK as part of a £25 million contract.
Technology and marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has launched its newest unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in Kuwait.
Ocean Infinity said the 14-metre, dual-hull USV is a component of a new national integrated maritime surveillance system being developed by SRT Marine Systems.