Daily Mail: US Navy tests world's largest self-driving warship: 132ft-long 'Sea Hunter' drone will scour oceans for enemy subs
* $20 million unarmed vessel can reach speeds of 27 knots per hour
* Tests will focus on its ability to react on its own to avoid collisions
* During testing, the ship will have human operators as a safety net
* Future models could be fitted with weapons if need be, officials say
The military is launching tests on the world's largest unmanned surface vessel.
Dubbed the 'Sea Hunter', the 132ft ship is designed to travel thousands of miles out at sea without a single crew member on board.
Experts say the vessel has the potential to revolutionise not only the military's maritime service but also commercial shipping.
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Update #1: US military tests world's largest unmanned ship, designed to cross oceans -- Stars and Stripes/AP
Update #2: US military tests 'Sea Hunter,' world's largest unmanned ship, amid 'deep concern' about China's naval expansion -- The Telegraph
WNU editor: I expect this to be the first of many large unmanned naval-surface vessels.
2 comments:
WNU Editor,
I doubt it, I'm pretty sure that the testing will prove the technology is not yet ready for prime time.
As one of my Heavy Weather Instructors reminded us at the start of every class, a boat is a fragile collection of parts trying to remain afloat ontop of one of the most powerful solvents known to man.
Soon, you won't have to spend resources and treasure to build a military. Just a small army of drone hackers and ZAP!! Instant military!
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