UK launches unmanned Pacific 24 boat
The UK RN has launched its first crewless boat for general duties.
Trials with the new craft begin this month, followed by integration trials later in the year with a frontline RN warship’s combat and navigation systems.
Results of these trials should determine whether the UK invests in a fleet of such craft or just a few for specific missions.
The unmanned Pacific 24 boat was developed by BAE Systems in partnership with NavyX – the specialist wing of the RN that brings together industry, the civil service and academia to boost innovation in autonomous technologies.
‘More than £3 million [$3.75 million] is being invested in the crewless Pacific 24 boat – and other autonomous small craft technology,’ BAE Systems announced in a 24 June statement.
The crewless boats could operate individually or in clusters at speeds of up to 38kt.
While the hull and propulsion system remain the same as crewed Pacific 24 boats, their control system and sensors have been modified to allow autonomous movement once a generic task has been assigned by a human.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
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.
