BAE Systems developing Pacific 950 RIB
BAE Systems has completed a series of trials on a new autonomous boat designed to travel further, for longer and to more inhospitable environments.
The autonomous Pacific 950 Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) demonstrator has been used to develop and prove technologies which have the potential to make naval missions faster, easier and safer.
The demonstrator, which has been developed along with L3Harris and MSI Defence Systems, can be remote-controlled or can operate in semi-autonomous mode. It is able to operate at up to ten days at a time at speeds at patrol speed or 300 nautical miles in pursuit mode, reaching speeds of up to 45 knots.
The boat has pre-programmed intelligent behaviours to position itself appropriately in relation to a potential threat. Its weapons system remain under a human operator’s control.
BAE Systems believes the technology has potential applications across a range of missions, including anti-piracy operations, border control, persistent intelligence gathering, maritime security and force protection.
The technology has been designed to be retrofitted to existing RIBs, such as BAE Systems’ Pacific 24, which is currently in service with the Royal Navy across its surface fleet.
Further work will be conducted by BAE Systems in coming months to prove the technology can be integrated with existing naval ship combat management systems. The RIB will also undertake further trials, including participation in NATO Exercise REPMUS, to be held in Portugal later this year.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
