UK-based unmanned systems manufacturer Zero USV has formally named the first example of a new series of unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
Zero USV said the fully autonomous vessel has been christened The Lady of the Lake after a character in Arthurian legend. Construction of the 17-metre USV was undertaken by Manor Marine at its Portland facilities.
Zero USV said the craft builds on the proven engineering and operational experience of the earlier 12-metre-long USV also developed by the company.
The 17-metre USV has been designed for long-range, persistent, over-the-horizon operations across multiple domains including maritime security (particularly surveillance), subsea inspection and intervention, oceanographic and environmental monitoring, and scientific research. It has an aluminium hull built to withstand conditions of up to Sea State eight, making it suitable for operations far from the coast.
The craft boasts an operational endurance in excess of 50 days and a range of more than 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of six knots, thanks to its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. The propulsion can also deliver a top speed of just over 12 knots.
It also has a payload capacity of 4,000 kg and a 20-ft ISO container-compatible payload bay complete with 30kW dedicated payload power on a nine- by 2.8-metre open aft deck.
