Image source: topwar.ru
Back in 2022, the US Marine Corps approached Leidos with a request to create an inconspicuous unmanned surface vessel capable of carrying thousands of pounds of cargo.
9 months later, the Sea Spectre back was received for testing. With a length of 20 m and a freeboard of up to half a meter, it resembles the semi-submersible boats that criminal suppliers have been using to cross the seas in recent years.
- said the developer.
The Pentagon is preparing for a conflict with an equal opponent in the Indo-Pacific region, and there are real concerns that the enemies will be able to shoot down planes or destroy supply ships.
- noted in the company.
In this regard, small-sized unmanned supply vehicles are being developed, which are scheduled to enter service in 2028. It is planned to create an entire fleet of them, responsible for logistics.
Image source: topwar.ru
Initially, the back was controlled remotely, but the ILC requested an autonomous control function, which is carried out using waypoints or route markers that onboard sensors will track until it reaches its destination. If there is a threat of collision with another vessel or any stationary object, the BACK will perform basic evasive maneuvers. If it does happen, it will stop and signal for help.
Thanks to the sensor installed 2.5 m above the deck, the back can "see" from a distance of 5 to 7 miles. Pallets are attached inside the boat, which can be filled with ammunition, food, fuel, water or something else. The back is currently made of wood, but other options are being explored for large-scale production, such as fiberglass or metal, such as aluminum or steel.
The payload capacity is 5 tons when covering a distance of 2,300 nautical miles and a speed of 8 knots. For example, the distance from Guam to the Philippines is about 1,500 miles. In the event of a conflict, when organizing supplies, it would be possible to send a couple dozen backup units – even if half of them were lost, the troops would still receive enough supplies.
To date, three Sea Specters have been transferred to the ILC. The developer hopes that the command will make this BACKUP the main program in 2027, after testing is completed.
