Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders
Metal Shark’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel on display in Washington, DC. (Photo: author)
Louisiana-based Metal Shark shipyard has begun production on its recently debuted High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV). Speaking with Shephard at Modern Day Marine (MDM) in Washington, DC, the company offered updates on current and future projects, including platforms for Caribbean naval forces.
A total of six HSMUSVs have been under production for an undisclosed customer, the company said, noting that the military vessel will have a length of 6.4m, a top speed of 40 knots and a range of more than 500 nautical miles. The model showcased at Modern Day Marine had AeroVironment’s Switchblade 300 loitering munition onboard.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
US to review AUKUS submarine partnership
The Australia, UK and US (AUKUS) trilateral agreement consists of two pillars. The first pillar involves Australia’s procurement of nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) and the second pillar involves bring defence industry and research bases closer together through high-technology development programmes. It is the former which is under re-evaluation.
-
Canadian Coast Guard OOSV Naalak Nappaaluk enters sea testing phase
Trials in North Vancouver with the Coast Guard’s largest science-dedicated vessel will involve full-scale exercises to evaluate systems’ integrations and performance.
-
Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer
Scheduled for delivery by 2033, HMCS Fraser will be a major surface component of the Canadian maritime combat power.
-
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.