US technology firm unveils naval interceptor USV

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.

Venom has been developed a multi-mission, nine-metre-long USV featuring an HDPE hull and a 300hp (200kW) diesel outboard engine that can deliver a sprint speed of over 35 knots and a range of 500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 24 knots in moderate sea states.

The craft also has autonomous navigation capability and can even loiter for up to 130 hours, which Scientific Systems said surpasses the expected requirements of the US Navy.

Scientific Systems said the USV is ideal for a range of missions including force protection (kinetic and non-kinetic); persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; contested logistics; and maritime patrols security.

Development of Venom was undertaken jointly with HDPE boatbuilder Tideman Marine and autonomous systems specialist Sea Machines Robotics. Scientific Systems said the three companies are prepared to rapidly scale delivery of the USV to meet anticipated DOD needs.