A new generation unmanned surface vehicle (USV) integrating artificial intelligence is being developed to serve the modernization needs of the US Navy.
The ship named STEAMRACER, introduced by the US maritime technology company Sea Machines, is aimed at the modular surface attack warship (MASC) program.
According to the developer, STEAMRACER is designed with an open modular payload compartment, allowing the installation of many different types of mission equipment depending on battlefield requirements.
The advanced self-propelled control system and integrated network help the vehicle operate effectively in large-scale disbanded naval missions.
The noteworthy point is that the ship is optimized for unmanned operation but can still switch to crew mode when necessary without changing the main design structure. This brings flexibility in deployment, especially in complex tactical situations.
Transmission and connection technology on the ship is provided by Sierra Nevada Corporation (a US private defense and aerospace technology corporation), helping to enhance communication, network security and operational coordination capabilities in a multi-vehicle formation.
STEAMRACER is also being developed in cooperation with many US industrial partners such as St. Johns Ship Building, TOTE Services, Ring Power, Incat Crowther and EMI-W&O.
Currently, the ship has entered the final evaluation phase within the framework of the US Navy's MASC initiative.
This program aims to expand the production of medium-sized unmanned vessels, improve self-propelled capabilities and accelerate the deployment of new naval systems.
Sea Machines believes that the current security context requires a faster pace of development and larger deployment scale instead of prolonging the prototype testing process.
The company also emphasized that STEAMRACER can provide autonomous capabilities and has been proven with the necessary speed to support operations in the Indo-Pacific region as well as other strategic regions around the world.
