US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The US Navy’s Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Charleston has successfully completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico, NAVSEA announced on 31 July.
The vessel completed trials following a series of in-port and underway demonstrations for the navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.
During trials, the navy conducted comprehensive tests of the future USS Charleston to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling abilities and auxiliary systems. While underway, the ship successfully demonstrated its bow thruster, twin boom extensible crane operations with the 11m rigid-hull inflatable boat, completed surface and air self-defence detect-to-engage exercises and demonstrated the ship's handling and manoeuvrability through high-speed steering and operation of its anchor.
Following delivery, the ship will undergo a post-delivery availability that includes crew training, certifications and familiarisation exercises. The ship will be homeported in San Diego with other Independence-class ships.
USS Charleston will be delivered to the navy in summer 2018. Several other Independence-variant ships are under construction at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama.
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.