Western Australian manufacturer Hyperion Systems has completed an initial sea trial of its 3D-printed unmanned surface vehicle (USV), with the craft reaching a top speed of 40 knots during testing, the company said.
The initial trial was remotely operated and brought together the printed hull and fitted marine systems. Additional tests will validate the expected cruising speed of between 20 and 30 knots and assess payload capacity exceeding 200 kg and range of up to 200 kilometres.
In Henderson, the hull was made through large format additive manufacturing, a process that deposits material layer by layer. Hyperion said hull production takes 40 hours with this process, while traditional boatbuilding methods have lead times of four to six weeks.
The company publicly unveiled the vessel concept in May of this year.
The USV has a length of 4.6 metres, a beam of 1.67 metres, and a draught of only 0.3 metres. Its hull is made from high-density polyethylene, and the design can accommodate either an internally mounted waterjet or an outboard engine.
The craft has been designed to deliver multi-mission capability, including covert movement of small teams, as well as operation across a range of sea states.
