Defence Online

Thames trials for MAST

Maritime September 8, 2016

Earlier this week, UK’s Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST), an unmanned surface vessel (USV) based on the innovative Bladerunner hull shape, underwent tidal trials on the Thames.

Currently being developed by ASV Ltd under Dstl funding, MAST provides the MOD with a testbed for new technologies allowing them to test and evolve tactics for employing maritime autonomous systems.

The trials have been held prior to the Royal Navy’s Unmanned Warrior event, which will bring together over 40 Autonomous Systems this autumn. Unmanned Warrior is being held in conjunction with industry and international partners, for engineers and scientists to demonstrate state-of-the-art technology, and explore the ideas that will help shape the future of Naval Warfare for decades to come.

The largest event of its kind, it will be based off West Wales and NW Scotland and the Western Isles and is linked with the regular Joint Warrior fleet Exercise aiming to test systems in an operational environment.

Admiral Sir Philip Jones, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said:

The growing scale of Unmanned Warrior is a clear demonstration of the Royal Navy’s ambition to lead and win through technological innovation.

“Unmanned maritime systems will change how we operate, but they’re just the start.  Our pursuit of new technologies and ideas – from big data to 3D-printing – will ensure we remain one of the most capable and successful navies in the world.”

UK designed and built, the 32ft MAST is a unique craft capable of reaching high speeds, with various levels of autonomy from basic remote control up to autonomous navigation. When operating autonomously in an unmanned mode, the craft can sense other vessels in the immediate vicinity and safely avoid them. The avoidance algorithms are designed to comply with internationally mandated collision regulations, and when operating on a busy waterway (such as the Thames), the craft is operated with a coxswain on board ready to take control.

This particular craft has been designed to support non-lethal surveillance, helping with reconnaissance and troop welfare.

Funded through the Dstl, the work is being conducted by civilian manufacturers ASV Ltd & Roke Manor Research, with support from Cambridge Pixels, Seebyte and Chess Dynamics.

Fleet Robotics Officer Commander Peter Pipkin said:

This is a chance to take a great leap forward in Maritime Systems – not to take people out of the loop but to enhance everything they do, to extend our reach, our look, our timescales, our efficiency using intelligent and manageable robotics at sea.”

Vince Dobbin, Sales and Marketing Director, ASV Global said:

ASV Global has been working in the maritime autonomy industry for many years. We have a long-standing partnership with Dstl, part of which includes working on the Bladerunner vessel. Our role in this programme has involved developing the autonomous capabilities of this fast vessel. This capability will be demonstrated at Unmanned Warrior in October showcasing the UK’s position at the forefront of delivering this revolutionary technology.”

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ASV Dstl Innovation MAST MOD Research Royal Navy UK Unmanned Warrior

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.