Royal Navy experiments ship Patrick Blackett gets into its stride
XV Patrick Blackett alongside HMS President in London. (Photo: author)
Having already embarked two experimental capabilities and achieved certification, the UK RN's research ship XV Patrick Blackett is expanding the horizon for the navy's efforts to test and trial new technologies.
Moored in London, the UK RN's XV Patrick Blackett – owned by its internal technology and lethality accelerator NavyX – is a Swiss Army knife for the navy in its efforts to test, trial and develop new technologies for the current and future fleet.
Speaking to Shephard from the bridge, CO Cdr Michael Hutchinson said the vessel recognised that the navy had struggled with having a dedicated platform for experimentation.
Before procuring the ship from Damen and fitting it out for trials and experimentation, the RN had trialled new capabilities onboard operational warships, which with pressing schedules, made finding time
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider]()
Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
-
![US Coast Guard faces the “greatest readiness challenge since World War II”, says Homeland Security Secretary]()
US Coast Guard faces the “greatest readiness challenge since World War II”, says Homeland Security Secretary
The service currently has diverse problems in its procurement programmes and capability gaps in its inventory, writes Shephard’s North America editor Flavia Camargos Pereira.
-
![Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system]()
Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system
A total of 28 active surface ships will receive the upgrades to their weaponry to help them combat the growing threat from UAVs.
-
![Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?]()
Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?
The White House and Congress have been increasing efforts to support the national maritime industry.
-
![Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit]()
Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit
Euroatlas displayed its Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle outside Europe for the first time, highlighting variant specifications and development progress at IMDEX 2025.
-
![Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders]()
Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders
The US shipyard’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV) will have a range of more than 500 nautical miles.
