Madfox takes to the water
Madfox USV demonstrator. (Credit: LPhot Bradley/Crown Copyright)
A year of tests awaits for the latest UK Royal Navy uncrewed vessel.
The UK Royal Navy (RN) is continuing its efforts to explore the use of unmanned craft after welcoming into service the new Maritime Demonstrator For Operational Experimentation (Madfox) vessel.
Developed by L3Harris for NavyX ( the specialist wing of the RN that explores ways of boosting innovation in autonomous technologies), Madfox is derived from the Mast-13 vessel that underwent a series of trials beginning in late 2019.
‘Since being delivered, NavyX has been working hard to get Madfox to sea and ready to begin a demanding year of testing,’ the RN announced in a 26 March statement.
NavyX will carry out tests to see how USV technology can assist in surveillance and force protection operations.
‘With Madfox now directly in the hands of NavyX, the team will be able to explore a multitude of issues such as safety, regulatory compliance, new missions, new payloads and the role that a USV can play in complex operations and within the future fleet,’ said Cdr Antony Crabb, NavyX team leader.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
