Pioneer USV to begin sea trials this year
The Pioneer USV measures 14m in length. (Photo: ACUA Ocean)
The Pioneer USV is being built for ACUA Ocean at Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) in the UK on the Isle of Wight. ACUA has also been developing the larger Maelstrom USV.
UK company ACUA Ocean has outlined details of its modular small water-plane twin hull (SWATH) 14m Pioneer USV and plans for its long-endurance high-powered 24m Maelstrom USV.
The Pioneer-class USVs feature a hybrid-electric propulsion system and can use a gaseous hydrogen or a low-emission diesel powertrain dependent on end-user specifications or mission parameters.
Evaluation has included wave tank testing and digital simulations which, according to the company, has demonstrated Pioneer-class USVs outperforming the seakeeping stability of a monohull vessel three-times its length and 10-times its displacement.
The platform SWATH’s design supports both modularity of build and also the deployment of modular sensor and system payloads.
Pioneer builds on the company’s H-USV which can carry a payload of 4t with 20ft ISO mounts for modular sensors supported by 1kW continuous power.
In addition to the Pioneer, ACUA is developing Maelstrom which is designed to deliver enhanced and scalable capabilities for a range of defence and commercial customers.
Pioneer is scheduled to commence sea trials before the end of the year and Maelstrom is scheduled to enter service in 2026.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role]()
Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role
The outgoing US Secretary of the Navy named destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers during his last weeks in office.
-
![South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels]()
South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels
South Korea is moving ahead at speed with its frigate programme, involving both domestic heavy-hitting shipbuilders.
-
![UK-Japan meeting resolves details of Carrier Group operations]()
UK-Japan meeting resolves details of Carrier Group operations
As joint military training begins between the UK and Japan, a meeting of defence ministers plans details of a Carrier Group deployment later in the year.
-
![Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule]()
Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule
The SPY-7 radar will undergo testing and calibration down to its component level before it is handed over to the Spanish Navy.
-
![India commissions three new vessels]()
India commissions three new vessels
The new vessels, Nilgiri, Surat and Vagsheer, will be deployed to protect vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
