Royal Navy receives MAST 13
L3Harris Technologies has delivered the Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) 13 autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) to the Royal Navy, the company announced on 11 September.
The 13-meter (41ft) long high-speed ASV is capable of fully autonomous navigation, using L3Harris’ ASView proprietary autonomous control system and advanced algorithms developed for the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The system will be used as a testbed to support the development of new capabilities for the navy.
Alasdair Gilchrist, above water systems programme manager, Dstl, said: ‘MAST 13 reflects the increased use of unmanned systems in the military domain. This vehicle serves as a test platform to support new concepts for the Royal Navy, allowing them to exploit unmanned systems and maintain a technical advantage.
‘As the programme continues, we welcome collaboration with other organisations to test new algorithms, sensors, payloads and novel concepts. We encourage any such organisations to get in touch.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.