SHARCs track live submarine
October’s Unmanned Warrior 2016 demonstration saw a live submarine detected, reported and tracked by a network of persistent USVs for the first time.
The USVs – Liquid Robotics’ Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARCs) – used advanced Boeing acoustic sensors in the live anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission off the coast of Northern Scotland.
The SHARCs successfully detected and tracked an advancing AUV and a manned diesel submarine, providing detailed and actionable intelligence to commanders through more than 100 automated contact reports. The demonstration proved the potential of using USVs to efficiently and autonomously conduct ASW missions and exchange data in real time.
Kory Mathews, vice president, autonomous systems for Boeing Defense, Space and Security, said: ‘The Boeing and Liquid Robotics team are redefining the state of the art for autonomous maritime warfare. Our work during Unmanned Warrior demonstrates without a doubt the practicality of using autonomous systems to provide real-time actionable intelligence to our warfighters.’
The two SHARC systems operated 24/7 in harsh conditions – in waves in excess of 6.6m and winds of more than 60kts. They also provided real-time data on the weather and ocean conditions critical to the safe operation of the Unmanned Warrior systems.
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.
