Unmanned Craft News Roundup | March 11 – Naval vessels in the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, small reef monitoring AUVs and more
Development continues on new defence and commercial USVs and UUVs in the UK, the US, Spain, and Cyprus. Meanwhile, new designs recently unveiled in the UAE and South Korea have been optimised for maritime security missions.
French builder unveils unmanned interceptor craft
French defence shipbuilder CMN Naval recently unveiled a new type of high-speed interceptor designed for both manned and unmanned operations.
The vessel will be able to accommodate a remote weapon station that can support multiple calibres. A low radar profile will meanwhile ensure reduced risk of detection when operating in denied areas.
Missions will include counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling patrols, and coastal protection.
UK firm launches large naval UUV prototype
UK-based subsea craft manufacturer MSubs recently floated out a new prototype extra-large unmanned undersea vehicle (XLUUV).
The unmanned submersible Cetus is being developed as part of a Royal Navy project. It has a length of 12 metres and a displacement of 17 tonnes.
Republic of Korea Navy unveils new type of combat-capable USV
The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) recently unveiled a conceptual model of a new type of unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed for offensive missions.
Weapons options for the USV will include a 20mm cannon fitted on a remotely controlled mount, 76mm guided rockets, 130mm guided rockets that can strike surface targets up to 20 kilometres away, and C-Star anti-ship cruise missiles.
DARPA's long-endurance USV prototype hits the water
Serco recently floated out a new medium-sized unmanned surface vehicle (USV) being developed in fulfilment of an order by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Defiant will then undergo a series of trials before eventually being handed over to the US Navy as part of DARPA's No Manning Required, Ship (NOMARS) program.
UAE firm developing new UUVs for naval use
UAE-based unmanned systems manufacturer Arzanah recently unveiled two different series of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) designed for naval use.
The first craft measures three metres long with a modular assembly to permit the integration of various sensors including those for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. AI-based autonomous navigation systems and EO/IR cameras may also be installed.
The second UUV is an 11-metre long craft built for advanced deep-sea exploration and military applications.
French-Cypriot partnership unveils compact AUVs designed for reef monitoring
A partnership formed by French unmanned systems manufacturer Arkeocean and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute recently unveiled a new type of compact autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to perform environmental monitoring in reefs.
The unmanned craft are being developed as part of the EONIOS project, which calls for swarms of coordinated AUVs capable of executing complex missions.
UK firm launches lead unit of new USV series
UK-based Zero USV, a company under unmanned systems specialist MSubs, recently launched the first example of a new series of unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
The fully equipped 12-metre vessel is now ready for commissioning and integration trials from Zero USV’s home port of Plymouth. The design, engineering, and construction of the craft lasted 18 months.
Spanish yard floats out USV ordered by DeepOcean-led joint venture
Spanish shipbuilder Gondan has floated out a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) ordered by USV AS, a joint venture formed by Norwegian companies DeepOcean, Solstad Offshore, and Østensjø Rederi.
USV Challenger was designed by Norwegian naval architecture firm Salt Ship Design for operation in Norwegian waters, where it will be used for ocean exploration and underwater inspections of offshore structures.
New AUV completes US Navy acceptance tests
One year after being awarded a 24-month frame contract for Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (LDUUV) by the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Norwegian unmanned systems specialist Kongsberg completed acceptance testing and delivery of a new Hugin Superior autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to the US Navy.
This final testing was completed at the beginning of the year in Norway. The vehicle will now be used to enhance the US Navy's undersea capabilities.
