Royal Navy Tests Swarm of 5 USVs Alongside Crewed Ships
In recent months, the Royal Navy has acquired at least seven purpose-built, 7.2-meter Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) named RATTLER to advance its experimentation and develop new capabilities. In the latest key trial, five RATTLERs operated in Scottish waters alongside crewed vessels, controlled remotely from over 500 miles away via consoles aboard the experimental testbed ship XV PATRICK BLACKETT.
Coordination With Crewed Vessels and Aircraft
The demonstration featured cooperation between the USVs and several Royal Navy assets:
- P2000-class patrol boat HMS BITER from the Coastal Forces Squadron
- MERLIN helicopter
- Patrol vessel HMS TYNE (RIVER Batch 1 class)
- Mine-countermeasures support "mothership" HMS STIRLING CASTLE
The RATTLER USVs effectively intercepted and escorted HMS TYNE and HMS STIRLING CASTLE as they simulated passing foreign warships.
Data Transmission and Control
The USVs transmitted live camera feeds and sensor data back to XV PATRICK BLACKETT during the operation, demonstrating reliable remote control and situational awareness over long distances.
Innovative Design and Rapid Development
The RATTLER is the first fully crewless USV procured by the Royal Navy, developed in just weeks through a rapid, iterative process. This contrasts with previous USVs, which were often derived from manned platforms or retained manual control capabilities, such as:
- Autonomous-PAC-24 RHIB by BAE Systems
- ARCIMS and L3ASV motor boats used within Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) systems, which include SWEEP and MMCM functions
The RATTLER, developed “in weeks” and procured rapidly and iteratively, is the first USV that the Royal Navy procures which is fully crewless by design, from the start.
This trial marks a significant step forward in the Royal Navy’s capability to integrate autonomous systems with traditional naval forces.
Author's Summary
The Royal Navy’s quick development and testing of fully crewless RATTLER USVs showcases a major advance in integrating autonomous vessels with manned naval operations, enhancing future maritime capabilities.