An Australian operator has welcomed a new optionally crewed survey boat into service while new attack USVs are undergoing operational testing in Azerbaijan. Development meanwhile continues on a Russian research catamaran, a US-built solar-powered air defence USV, and a Turkish-designed vehicle capable of amphibious landings on hostile beaches.
The Azerbaijani Navy recently conducted trials of two newly developed unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).
The craft include Salvo, an armed USV, and Kayra, a one-way-attack drone.
Both USVs were manufactured by Dearsan Shipyard of Turkey and the MIRAS Military-Industrial Company of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence.
Salvo has an aluminium hull, a length of 14.79 metres, a beam of 3.85 metres, and a draught of only 0.75 metre. The propulsion system will deliver a top speed of over 35 knots, a cruising speed of 25 knots, and a range of 400 nautical miles.
US-based Voltaic Defense has demonstrated an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) fitted with air defence armament.
The demonstration saw the integration of a Moog Space and Defense remote weapon station (RWS) with Voltaic's 39-foot (12-metre), aluminium-hulled solar-powered USV.
The RWS can be fitted with surface-to-air missiles, laser-guided 70mm rockets, and a 30mm cannon.
As the USV is fitted with solar panels and a 300kWh battery bank, the concept seeks to assess the viability of the USV as a platform for persistent air defence.
Turkish defence manufacturer FNSS recently unveiled a new type of multi-purpose unmanned amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) capable of amphibious operations.
The modular unmanned AAV has been designed to operate in close coordination with marine or naval infrantry units equipped with manned AAVs. The vehicle can achieve a swimming speed of seven knots and a road speed of 70 km/h.
FNSS said the primary mission of the unmanned AAV is to establish initial engagement with enemy coastal defences ahead of manned AAV elements, neutralise mines and obstacles in accordance with its configured payload, prepare the beach for manned AAV approach and landing, and provide support throughout all subsequent phases of the operation.
Armament options include a machine gun mounted on a remote weapon station.
Hydrographic survey specialist EGS Australia has formally named its newest optionally crewed vessel.
The unmanned surface vehicle (USV) Fremantle 02 will now deploy to the Kimberley on its maiden mission.
The craft will undertake hydrographic survey work under the Royal Australian Navy’s hydroscheme industry partnership program.
EGS Australia said Fremantle 02 builds on the success of Fremantle 01, which demonstrated a 94 per cent reduction in diesel use and operating costs up to 75 per cent lower than traditional crewed survey operations.
Russia's Admiral Nevelskoy Maritime State University (MSUN) has begun conducting sea trials of a new catamaran unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
The craft belongs to the Project MANS02 series. Its trials were conducted within MSUN's testing facilities in Amur Bay just off Vladivostok.
The USV is being developed to serve as part of what MSUN called a "marine robotic triad." Specifically, the USV will serve as a carrier vehicle for a payload-carrying unmanned underwater vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle.
A catamaran design was selected for the USV due to its increased stability, smoother ride, and the greater deck space made possible twin hulls.