L3Harris Technologies has delivered the Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) 13 autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) to the Royal Navy, the company announced on 11 September.
The 13-meter (41ft) long high-speed ASV is capable of fully autonomous navigation, using L3Harris’ ASView proprietary autonomous control system and advanced algorithms developed for the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The system will be used as a testbed to support the development of new capabilities for the navy.
Alasdair Gilchrist, above water systems programme manager, Dstl, said: ‘MAST 13 reflects the increased use of unmanned systems in the military domain. This vehicle serves as a test platform to support new concepts for the Royal Navy, allowing them to exploit unmanned systems and maintain a technical advantage.
‘As the programme continues, we welcome collaboration with other organisations to test new algorithms, sensors, payloads and novel concepts. We encourage any such organisations to get in touch.’
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