US Navy stresses simplicity in unmanned vessel design
The US Navy wants its future unmanned vessels to have simpler designs than manned ships to ensure they are relatively inexpensive and can therefore be bought in large numbers, according to an official at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
‘I’m really challenging the tech force to think differently about unmanned systems,’ said RADM Lorin Selby, chief engineer and deputy commander for ship design, integration and naval engineering at NAVSEA. ‘If it looks more like a manned thing than an unmanned thing, I don’t think we can afford that.’
For example, the navy should consider whether a USV could accomplish its
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs]()
Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs
Asian customers have placed one of the largest known international purchases of US-built uncrewed surface vessels, highlighting accelerating regional demand for autonomous maritime capabilities and distributed naval operations.
