US military to test new Red Cat unmanned surface vessel in August
An artist’s concept of Red Cat’s 7 metre USV (Photo: Red Cat)
Red Cat, a Puerto Rico-based supplier of drones for military and law-enforcement purposes, has confirmed to Shephard that the US military will test the first unmanned surface vessel (USV) built by the company in August. Currently under development, the new capability will mark Red Cat’s entrance into the maritime uncrewed market.
Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson told Shephard the supplier would build test boats “in about a month” and demonstrated them “pretty extensively” to a DoD-related organisation.
The 7 metre platform will enter production in the third quarter of this year. According to Red Cat, it will feature a modular architecture to support
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.