Louisiana-based boatbuilder Metal Shark is set to showcase its latest unmanned surface vessel (USV) at the upcoming Sea-Air-Space Symposium in National Harbor, Md. The new high-speed maneuverable unmanned surface vessel (HSMUSV) will undergo three days of on-water demonstrations, running April 7-9.
The 21' military USV is designed for unmanned operation with human-in-the-loop control. The HSMUSV is based on Metal Shark’s Relentless-class monohull, a design that has sold over 400 units as high-speed maneuvering surface targets (HSMST) to the Navy.
“We’ve delivered the manned HSMST to the Navy at the pace of up to three units per week,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “Based on current capacity with this active production line we can deliver the HSMUSV at the rate of one unit per day, and depending on configuration and equipment the cost of each asset will be significantly below $500,000.”
Metal Shark noted that unlike traditional USV conversions, which retrofit autonomy onto existing vessels, the HSMUSV is factory-built with integrated proprietary hardware and software from Metal Shark’s SharkTech unmanned systems division. The SharkTech system supports human-in-the-loop control and interfaces with multiple COLREGS-compliant autonomy, ATR, and AI packages, the shipbuilder said.
Operators use an intuitive graphic interface to command the vessel and maintain real-time situational awareness, Metal Shark said. The system transmits telemetry, mission data, video, and contacts via line-of-sight HF radio or Starlink satellite links, with a secure VPN tunnel integrating the data into headquarters operations. The shipbuilder noted control is possible from a desktop station or portable helm console.
“Providing an end-to-end hardware and software solution allows the interface with other autonomy packages to be limited to computer code loading and configuration,” said Allard. “However, HSMUSV is a brand-agnostic platform and will readily support most available autonomy systems in place of our own SharkTech system.”
The vessel features forward and aft payload bays for a variety of mission equipment, including UAS systems, surveillance payloads, and loitering munitions. Metal Shark noted that at Sea-Air-Space, the HSMUSV will be displayed with AeroVironment’s multi-pack launcher, a remotely operated six-round battery for Switchblade 300 loitering munitions. The Switchblade 300 UAV is capable of 100 mph sprint speeds, 30-kilometer range, and precision strikes.
The HSMUSV supports both diesel and gasoline propulsion. In its current configuration, it boasts a 500+ nautical mile range at 25 knots, with a top speed approaching 40 knots, Metal Shark said. At lower speeds, the company noted it can loiter for approximately 10 days.
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