Industry creates robotic team comprising UAS and USV
WAM-V with small UAS. (Photo: Marine Advanced Robotics)
Solution from Californian companies blends unmanned naval and aerial capabilities
Marine Advanced Robotics and Planck Aerosystems claim to have created the first ‘multi-domain robotic team’ combining UAS and USV technologies.
Marine Advanced Robotics and Planck Aerosystems have established a new strategic alliance that includes an unmanned Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V) equipped with a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) that operate together for advanced mission profiles.
Previous cooperation between Planck Aerosystems and Marine Advanced Robotics included collaborative multi-domain deployments for USN base security.
Mark Gundersen, CEO of Marine Advanced Robotics, claimed the new sUAS-USV combination, designed to operate together for advanced mission profiles, ‘will enable greater situational awareness for multiple applications’.
Potential uses include maritime security and naval operations in the open ocean as well as offshore infrastructure inspection, the two companies announced on 9 August.
The sUAS is powered by the Autonomous Control Engine from Planck Aerosystems. It can be operated remotely as a push-button capability, which includes autonomous launch and recovery, as well as automatic securing and recharging while not in flight.
Marine Advanced Robotics claims the USV can travel long distances unsupported, even in high sea states, and can host additional sensors above and below the water.
The combined system is currently in trials for early customers. It will be offered to customers in Q4 2021.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
