Latest news with #autonomousvessel
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Unmanned ocean craft has been spotted off the coast of Queensland
An unmanned ocean craft has been spotted off the coast of Queensland, deployed on behalf of the United States military. Powered by wave motion and solar energy, the Wave Glider is an autonomous vessel designed to collect real-time intelligence for both defence and environmental applications. It was recently seen off the coast of Mackay, on the Coral Sea in north Queensland, during a week-long deployment that ends on Thursday, July 24. Developed by US marine robotics firm Liquid Robotics, the mission was arranged on behalf of the US Special Operations Command. The exact purpose of the deployment remains unclear. The craft can be configured for a wide range of defence and civilian uses, depending on its customised payload. Its capabilities include tracking and communicating with submarines, gathering acoustic, signal, and image intelligence, and conducting surface and sub-surface surveillance and communications. On the surface, the Wave Glider is not much larger than a surfboard, with a mast extending about a metre above the water. This is connected via an 'umbilical' tether to a submerged unit located roughly eight metres below. Originally designed to record the sounds of humpback whales, the Wave Glider has since evolved into a versatile defence tool through a partnership with Boeing. In 2016, a network of Wave Gliders was used to detect, report, and track a live submarine during the UK Navy's Unmanned Warrior demonstration. The crafts were fitted with acoustic sensors made by Boeing to locate an underwater vehicle and a diesel submarine off the coast of Northern Scotland. Later that year, Boeing acquired Liquid Robotics, which now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary under Boeing's Defence, Space and Security division. First developed in 2007, the technology can collect data on wind, weather, and waves, and can reportedly operate unmanned for up to a year. It is also used for environmental assessment and offshore energy applications. In 2017, the Wave Glider was deployed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) to monitor conditions in the Great Barrier Reef. The 200-nautical-mile trial mission provided continuous, real-time environmental ocean data, including temperature, turbidity, currents, wave height, and salinity. Dr Lyndon Llewellyn, Head of Data and Technology Innovation at AIMS, said the craft's ability to remain true to its charted course was 'extraordinary'. 'It went where it was told to and it stayed the course like an orienteering champion,' he said in a statement at the time. 'We are impressed with the number of different measurements it could conduct at the same time and its ability to transmit the data back to our base immediately and reliably while navigating and performing its mission.' A spokesperson confirmed AIMS had not used the Wave Glider since the 2017 trial. Liquid Robotics has been contacted by Daily Mail Australia.
Sustainability Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'We Just Changed Naval Warfare Forever': US Unveils World's Most Advanced Warship With Devastating 44-Ton Payload Capacity
IN A NUTSHELL 🚢 AIRCAT Bengal MC is the world's most advanced autonomous naval vessel, offering unmatched strategic capabilities. is the world's most advanced autonomous naval vessel, offering unmatched strategic capabilities. 💥 Equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missiles, it enhances lethality while reducing reliance on larger warships. and Naval Strike Missiles, it enhances lethality while reducing reliance on larger warships. ⚙️ Features superior fuel efficiency and a modular design, allowing for customization and cost-effective operations. 🤝 Developed in collaboration with Greenroom Robotics, it boasts the most advanced autonomous navigation system, setting a new standard in naval warfare. The unveiling of the AIRCAT Bengal MC marks a significant milestone in military technology, showcasing an impressive leap in naval capabilities. This state-of-the-art autonomous vessel, the brainchild of Eureka Naval Craft in partnership with Australian marine autonomy specialists, stands out as a groundbreaking innovation. Designed as a multi-mission Surface Effect Ship, the Bengal MC boasts advanced features that promise to revolutionize naval warfare. With the ability to operate both crewed and autonomously, it offers unparalleled flexibility and cost efficiency. As global tensions rise, such technological advancements are crucial for maintaining strategic superiority. Revolutionizing Naval Warfare with Advanced Capabilities The AIRCAT Bengal MC is not just any naval vessel; it represents a new era of autonomous warfare technology. Designed to carry a significant payload of 44 tons, this vessel can transport two 40-foot ISO footprint modules at remarkable speeds exceeding 50 knots. Its range of 1,000 nautical miles ensures that it can reach distant theaters of operation without the need for frequent refueling. The ship is not only versatile but also lethal, equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missiles. Such capabilities de-risk the reliance on larger, more expensive crewed warships, making it a strategic asset for navies worldwide. The vessel is targeted at major naval powers, including the US Navy, the US Marine Corps, and allies such as AUKUS and NATO countries. Additionally, countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines may find this vessel an attractive addition to their fleets. The Bengal MC's ability to operate autonomously and its compatibility with advanced missile systems make it a formidable force in modern naval warfare. A Man Uncovers $2 Million in Cash and 50 Gold Bars During Renovation—and Stuns Everyone by Calling the Police Enhanced Lethality with Missile Launch Capabilities The Bengal MC's ability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and anti-ship Naval Strike Missiles is a game-changer in naval strategy. These capabilities allow navies to conduct missions that previously required much larger vessels, thereby reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. The vessel's design disrupts the traditional naval market by offering a fast, heavily armed alternative to outdated and sluggish ships. Bo Jardine, CEO of Eureka Naval Craft, emphasizes the need for such innovative solutions in the current naval landscape. This vessel is not just about speed and firepower; it is about enhancing strategic flexibility and adaptability. The ability to carry heavier payloads at high speeds increases the lethality and effectiveness of naval operations. The Bengal MC's advanced autonomy features mean it can respond to threats and opportunities with unprecedented speed and precision, offering a significant tactical advantage. Shocking Revelation in Tech Industry: A 1.5 Billion Dollar 'Fake AI' Exposed With 700 Real-Time Coders Operating From India Unmatched Efficiency and Versatility The Bengal MC excels in fuel efficiency and operational cost-effectiveness, making it a valuable asset for budget-conscious navies. The vessel's modular design allows it to serve multiple roles, from troop transport and landing support to electronic warfare and mine operations. Its adaptability ensures that it can be customized to meet specific operational needs, providing a tailored solution for diverse maritime challenges. The partnership with Greenroom Robotics enhances the vessel's capabilities with the most advanced autonomous navigation system available. This software integration allows for seamless operation across all phases of a mission, ensuring that human operators are supported by cutting-edge technology. The Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy Software system, validated through extensive trials, ensures reliability and performance. 'China Unleashes Flying Bike': Futuristic Hoverbike Hits 44.7 MPH and Flies 31 Miles in Shocking Public Debut Expanding the Fleet with Modular Design The AIRCAT Bengal MC joins a prestigious fleet of vessels, each designed for specific missions, including fast attack, reconnaissance, and high-speed troop transport. The modular design philosophy allows for customization, ensuring that each vessel can be tailored to the mission's unique demands. This flexibility is crucial in an era where naval forces must be ready to respond to diverse threats and opportunities. Eureka Naval Craft's commitment to innovation is evident in its expanding fleet and the strategic partnerships it has formed. The collaboration with Greenroom Robotics exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to maritime autonomy, setting a new standard for naval operations worldwide. As the naval landscape evolves, the Bengal MC represents a bold step forward in military technology, offering strategic advantages that are hard to ignore. As the AIRCAT Bengal MC sets sail, it raises important questions about the future of naval warfare. How will such autonomous technology reshape global naval strategies, and what challenges and opportunities will arise as a result? The answers will undoubtedly influence the next generation of military innovation and strategic planning. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (26)
