The symposium of the SNA – Association of Surface Naval Forces has opened in the USA. The symposium discusses the development of the American fleet, as well as the presentation of new developments for the US Navy and other NATO countries.
Among other things, SNA-2024 presents a model (including a virtual one) of the promising M-USV Dauntless warship, which can be translated as "Fearless". Are they copying Russian versions?
This is an unmanned medium-class ship, the order for the creation of which the US Navy placed through DARPA back in October 2018.
The ship, on the basis of the order, should receive an electronic warfare complex, an electronic and sonar reconnaissance system, as well as basic (lethal) weapons. The US Navy plans to purchase at least 40 such ships, but the final option has not yet been selected.
There are several options for the future of M-USV at the exhibition.
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| The model of the promising M-USV Dauntless warship. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
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| The model of the promising M-USV Dauntless warship. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
One of the presented versions has the following characteristics: the maximum speed is at least 24 knots, and there are 16 rocket cells on board. Since NOMARS Dauntless does not require space to accommodate the crew, it has more compactness with the same number of missiles placed than a conventional rocket ship.
The developer says that the M-USV Dauntless can act as a slave for a crewed ship, as well as as a strike vehicle as part of a large squadron.
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| M-USV Dauntless. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
Demonstration of the launch of a rocket from an extended launcher:
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| M-USV Dauntless. |
| Source: topwar.ru |
It is claimed that a smaller version of the ship has already been laid down at the Seattle shipyard as a demonstrator of capabilities. The presentation of the M-USV Dauntless to members of the arms committees of both houses of Congress is expected to take place at the shipyard on January 12. The developer company really wants to get financing for its project.