A revolutionary warship has been unveiled.
A defense company from Delaware, in collaboration with Australian marine autonomy experts, has unveiled a highly advanced autonomous naval vessel called the AIRCAT Bengal MC. Developed by Eureka Naval Craft and ESNA Naval Architects, this 36-meter Surface Effect Ship (SES) is designed for multi-mission use. The vessel is capable of carrying a 44-ton payload, including two 40-foot ISO modules, and can reach speeds of over 50 knots, with a range of 1,000 nautical miles depending on the load. This marks the vessel as one of the most advanced autonomous naval ships to date.
The AIRCAT Bengal MC is the first fully autonomous warship that can operate with or without a crew. It is intended for use by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and allied forces from NATO, AUKUS nations, and others like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The vessel is not only capable of high-speed travel and heavy payload transport but also equipped to launch advanced missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missiles, enhancing its operational flexibility in combat.
In addition to missile capabilities, the AIRCAT Bengal MC is designed for a variety of military functions, such as troop transport, landing support, electronic warfare, drone operations, and mine countermeasures. Its design prioritizes fuel efficiency and reduces operational costs compared to traditional, larger crewed warships. This makes it an appealing choice for navies seeking advanced capabilities while managing costs.
The ship’s advanced autonomy is powered by the Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA software, a highly sophisticated maritime autonomy system. This system has been tested and validated on previous naval vessels, ensuring the AIRCAT Bengal MC’s reliable performance. Greenroom’s CEO, James Keane, expressed enthusiasm about the system’s integration into the ship, highlighting its ability to enhance functionality in various operational scenarios.
Overall, the AIRCAT Bengal MC represents a significant leap forward in autonomous naval warfare. With its combination of advanced technology, operational versatility, and cost-effectiveness, it offers a powerful solution for modernizing naval fleets and increasing military capabilities in an ever-evolving defense landscape.
