Royal Navy welcomes multifunctional XV Patrick Blackett
XV Patrick Blackett has reached 24kt in trial. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The newest research ship for the UK Royal Navy can be adapted to specific trials or experiments including testing UAVs, autonomous vessels and AI decision-making.
On 29 July the UK RN held a welcoming ceremony in Portsmouth for its new research ship XV Patrick Blackett. It will be used by the experimentation and innovation organisation NavyX for a wide range of developments, allowing much faster and safer work because the new platform avoids the risks and restrictions involved with conducting experiments aboard an active warship.
RAdm James Parkin, director of development in the RN, told Shephard: ‘It tells everyone we’re taking experimentation and innovation seriously. We always have done. But now we have the sweet spot between small and fast, but large enough
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Royal Australian Navy takes first Arafura OPV for testing]()
Royal Australian Navy takes first Arafura OPV for testing
Though the delivery marks progress, the delayed programme was slashed to six vessels in 2024.
-
![Indonesian Navy changes names of Italian multipurpose combat ships]()
Indonesian Navy changes names of Italian multipurpose combat ships
The renamed vessels were part of a modular class originally built for the Italian Navy, but will now serve in the Indonesian fleet.
-
![Double SCHOTTEL deal advances two ship programmes]()
Double SCHOTTEL deal advances two ship programmes
SCHOTTEL has announced its thrusters will be fitted to both Polish and Portuguese programmes.
-
![Denmark commits to three new Arctic vessels in light of Trump’s Greenland comments]()
Denmark commits to three new Arctic vessels in light of Trump’s Greenland comments
The vessels have been a necessity for years, but now Denmark is planning a stronger Arctic presence.
-
![UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships]()
UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships
The news of the upgrade comes just a week after UK Royal Navy (RN) vessels escorted a Russian spy ship out of the English Channel.
-
![Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?]()
Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?
Previous structural and mechanical issues in the 20-plus year icebreaker might represent challenges for the service.
