USN receives Seahawk unmanned vessel
Composite hull of Seahawk, pictured during construction. (Photo: Leidos)
The design of the Seahawk medium USV reflects lessons learned from the predecessor Sea Hunter vessel.
Leidos announced on 7 April that it has delivered its Seahawk autonomous Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) to the USN.
It joins the USN Surface Development Squadron One (SURFDEVRON) in San Diego, California.
Seahawk was built under a $35.5 million contract awarded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in December 2017.
The result is a ‘forward-deployed and rapid-response asset in the global maritime surveillance network,’ Leidos noted in a 7 April statement.
Seahawk (originally known as Sea Hunter II) is a long-range autonomous surface vessel with a composite trimaran hull. The MUSV displaces 145t and its twin diesel engines carry up to 14,000 gallons of fuel.
Like the similarly sized Sea Hunter (previously built by Leidos for the ONR), Seahawk offers ‘significantly increased capabilities compared to smaller USVs in terms of range, seakeeping and payload capacity’, the manufacturer stated.
Leidos also noted that Seahawk includes upgraded electrical systems, a payload mounting system and a test operator control station. The design of the MUSV reflects ‘an evaluation of over 300 lessons learned from Sea Hunter’, it added.
Dan Brintzinghoffer, Leidos VP for maritime solutions, said: ‘We didn't just put an autonomous navigation system onto an existing ship. Every mechanical and electrical system on Seahawk has unique configurations designed to run for months at a time without maintenance or a crew.’
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.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
