NavyX sits within the RN’s Develop Directorate and is responsible for testing and trialling new technology with them aim of delivering new capabilities to the fleet faster than by traditional routes. Here we take an overview of NavyX’s work.
NavyX is officially described as the RN’s “Autonomy, Lethality and Innovation accelerator”. Inspired by the US Navy’s NavalX and established in 2019, it is a small team comprising 22 people drawn from the Civil Service, Navy and industry. 5 sailors are assigned as ship’s company for the Experimental Trials Vessel XV Patrick Blackett, 2 people serve at the Defence BattleLab in Dorset while the remaining 15 work on project planning and management.
Maritime Autonomy
The main focus for NavyX is the development of uncrewed and autonomous capabilities. There are other projects but currently, activity is centred on trials conducted on XV PTBK and development of the autonomous Pacific 24 RIB (APAC24).
Previously NaxyX conducted the RN’s first trials of the 13m Maritime Demonstrator For Operational eXperimentation, (MADFOX) Uncrewed Surface Vessel. This work was primarily to explore issues around USV safety, regulatory compliance, potential mission and payloads. The trials of MADFOX culminated in the launch of a Switchblade 300 Tactical Missile System (Loitering Munition) while controlled remotely from ashore during the REPMUS exercise in September 2021.
In parallel the Maritime Autonomous Platform Exploitation (MAPLE) information architecture has been developed by DSTL, used for mission planning and control for RN autonomous assets. These standardised data protocols will be foundational to having interoperable uncrewed systems in the future and should transition into the RN’s Naval Strike Network. It is also intended to be compatible with the US Navy’s Common Control System (CCS) and could become a NATO standard in future. MAPLE has also been trialled in specific scenarios such as anti-ship missile defence using recoverable decoys and harbour protection.
The remotely controlled or autonomous RIB has potential applications including anti-piracy operations, border control, persistent intelligence gathering, maritime security and force protection. Fitting within the existing footprint of standard ship’s boats, APAC24 could be deployed to conduct hazardous missions without risking sailors. Development of the APAC24 has been slow, first demonstrated in 2016, BAE Systems has a contract to build the boats with NavyX conducting evaluation. An integration demonstration was conducted with a Type 23 frigate (HMS Argyll) in 2021 as well as proving land-based control from Portsdown Technology Park. Land-based live-firing tests with the Seahawk Multi-Weapon Station fitted to the boat were carried out in May 2023. The next steps are to develop launch and recovery methods, prepare the boat for live-firing at sea and likely participation in the REPMUS 24 exercise in September.
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Autonomous Pacific 24 RIB showing equipment fit. -
MADFOX was the RN’s first major venture into USV experimentation and was derived from the L3Harris Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST). -
The Giraffe 1X is a small, 3D, active electronically scanned array (AESA) X-band radar and will be trialled by the RN soon (Photo: SAAB AB).
XV Programme
XV Patrick Blackett was acquired rapidly by UK defence procurement standards, the business case was approved in August 2021 and the ship had been formally named and accepted by July 2022. Unfortunately, she did little for the 7 subsequent months as the RN struggled with certifying a completely unfamiliar type of vessel.
In May 2023 she conducted an at-sea test of a prototype quantum sensor, developed by Imperial College, London. This technology could be developed into an inertial navigation system that is far more accurate over a longer period than current mechanical gyro and accelerometer-based INS. The containerised prototype was carried on the deck of PTBK and visited London, the concept proved viable, although it was discovered that passing under a steel bridge (the QE2 Dartford Crossing) created interference. This kind of insight can only be gained by real-world trials on a ship. Quantum navigation technology was tested further in Feb 2024 by embarking the system in a PODS container on board MoD-chartered vessel MV Hurst Point.
In June 2023, and again in November 2023, PTBK participated in trials to support the RN’s Navigation Radar Programme (NRP). Two radar terminals were placed in a PODS container with the aerials mounted on the top to replicate the height they would be on the Hunt-class minehunters. The Kelvin Hughes SharpEye-based radar series under test were the RT1084 currently installed on Type 23 frigates and the RT1083 system which will replace the RT1007 as the standard fleet navigation radar.
In August 2023, Damen Group which built the XV, delivered a digital twin model of the ship to the RN. NavyX will use the digital model to explore future technologies in a safe environment, before onboard testing. Using the Damen Triton remote monitoring and data collection system already installed on the ship, accurate and up-to-date engineering data can be compared with the predicted model.
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XV Patrick Blackett alongside in Gosport with navigational radars under test mounted on the working deck (Photo: S. Wenham). -
Navy PODS loaded onto the XV in Portsmouth (Photo: S. Wenham). -
PTBK alongside at HMS President in London, with the Quantum Navigation prototype in a container on the working deck, May 2023. 
The quantum accelerometer uses ultracold atoms and lasers to measure even the tiniest of the vessel’s motions. This can be used to as the basis of extremely accurate inertial navigation systems.
NavyX’s long-term goal is to demonstrate that PTBK can be operated fully autonomously. There are multiple steps in the process towards achieving this. Firstly the ship’s sensors need to be integrated with the MAPLE open computing environment and additional sensors may need to be added to the vessel. This must be certified, linked with the ship’s control systems and connected to the remote operating centre. The next step would be to reduce operators on the bridge while the ship is under remote control and complete day and night demonstration passages in various weather conditions.
The final goal of full autonomy is the hardest step because as a baseline requirement when uncrewed, the vessel must not be a hazard to other mariners and conform to International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). Once regulatory conditions are satisfied, the focus can then become developing use cases and combat capabilities for large USVs.
Taking advantage of the long-range of the PTBK, in September 2023, the XV sailed to Portugal to participate in the annual NATO REPMUS experimental exercise. While overseas, the ship hosted a variety of trials with UUVs, ASW capabilities, command-and-control equipment and SATCOM systems embarked while integrated into the RN’s nascent Naval Strike Network. NavyX expects to deploy PTBK to REPMUS again this September to continue development trials and possibly even operate the ship autonomously.
Other work being conducted by NavyX includes Above Water Battlespace data exploitation, development of Tactical Data Links and methods of at-sea communications in denied environments. 11 Saab Giraffe 1X radar sets were delivered to the MoD in June 2023, mainly for use by the Army but one set is due to be tested by the RN on board the XV. Being compact, the Giraffe X1 can be integrated into most platforms and is especially effective for UAS detection and warning.
Establishing an innovation team and procuring a dedicated trials platform has relieved the overstretched frontline fleet of some test and development duties, making for a more efficient use of resources. Whether NavyX has adequate resources and scale to deliver actual capabilities at the pace required is debatable but its multiple work streams will undoubtedly benefit the future fleet.
Great article, a few typo’s, but an excellent overview of where we are. The only problem I have with this type of analysis is “context”. How do we compare with other operators?
The Dutch are buying ots offshore supply vessels, probably from Damen like PTBK, and putting containerised systems onboard to supplement the capacity of their larger vessels. Either with SAMs to increase the load for air defence or with a towed array sonar like Geospectrum’s TRAPS for ASW. Initially to be lean crewed but with option for autonomous.
Dutch Navy looks to fit air defence payload to ‘civil’ ships – Naval Technology (naval-technology.com)
I think the Dutch will be going for the Damen 5009 rather than the 4008 like PTBK.
Potentially not just the Dutch
https://www.twz.com/sea/navy-to-explore-arming-other-ships-with-missiles-amid-constellation-frigate-woes
I have a feeling she has been sat in Portsmouth since her sea trials over a year ago, maybe someone can say what she has been doing ?
She’s been very active – not sure what she’s doing but she’s putting to sea regularly.
Oh, I never spot her on any of the tracking sites, just seems to be in port but thanks, it’s good to hear she is being used. I just checked and she is currently moored off Southsea Castle, so she’s definitely out. Ta.
Remember the name associated with RN AIS returns is not always correct. I don’t know if this would apply to PB but it’s not uncommon for a name to appear in say the Red Sea of a ship than can be seen on harbour cam in Portsmouth.
Yes there is that I suppose, I often look and see these false labels and normally no ships are visible in Portsmouth unless they are new arrivals, HMS Diamond was only visible a short while. Today HMS Iron Duke is shown alongside but no others.
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Yes also this post from Sean,
Giraffe X1 is an interesting piece of kit.
I think we should stick it on absolutely everything as the baseline “Radar that can do fire control”
That means OPVs, Bays and mine hunters for the navy, and AA vehicles for the Army.
The package is ridiculously small, it’s been trialled from the back of a pickup truck, and it sounds good enough to fire CAMM at a push.
Its big brother controls Sky Sabre so it is likely the same software package in the middle is already integrated.
If that is the case then it would allow Sea Ceptor to fitted to a wide range of ships maybe in the containerised variant we gave all talked about for a while.
That would be a massive step change in self defence for the fleet.
Mind you the manufacturers have talked about it for a while too so not total fantasy stuff!
Any big ship the MoD builds should be FFBNW Sea Ceptor at least.
Over on UKDJ I suggested that we use Giraffe X1, CAMM and Boxer to produce a Pantsir type all in one air defence system.
That has less relevance on this site, but I think the Visby class use a Giraffe radar and are getting CAMM so the principle is sound navally.
All of our new ships should at least have the CMS and sensors like this one to be able to carry a PODded CAMM VLS.
It amazes me that such a useful capability can be miniaturised that far. It goes against the whole SPY6 thing of just adding more and more capability to the same size to make something that is, as far as I can tell, unique.
I wonder what the cutting edge will be by the time I start working on things like this.
Yes. I agree totally. We need to spread sensors and weapons across everything we have that floats.
I think the new solid supply ships should carry SeaCeptor or FFBNW.
Don’t they have spaces on the superstructure for PODS?
If not, that should be a requirement in future so that a CAMM POD can be developed that adds self defence to just about anything.
I have always liked the concept of the Dutch Holland class OPVs. They have powerful sensors for intelligence gathering but only moderate armament that can be scaled up.
Lots of large boat bays and a helicopter, ideal for the Caribbean or the Pacific.
I don’t know where the design is now. I am sure there would be spare volume on such a big ship.
From my memory of the general design layout I’d probably stick the missiles up near the bow where the Phalanx is.
It’s the least congested part of the ship and there isn’t as much to get damaged as around the top of the superstructure or the RAS rigs.
There must be somewhere I am sure.
I’m not really ofay with this sort of tech but I had a little Google search and it seems to be a big success, even the LCS has a Sea Giraffe system.
Good piece of kit. Well priced. Well featured. Etc.
A Spanish Meteoro class in the background I think. Another design that shows that the Rivers though solid aren’t the best package.
That’s a good spot ! I was looking at the headline pic but couldn’t even begin to put a name to it. They are pretty good spec on paper but I do like the River B2’s as they have potential. The 76mm gun would be nice though.
What would a 76 help it do tho?
Morning, to be honest it’s a difficult question to answer, without going into fantasy scenarios but my guess is it would provide defensive and offensive firepower over and above the 30mm, hence why the Spanish (and Italians) have decided to fit one in addition to the two 25mm mounts.
What are your thoughts tho as you seem to doubt the 76 would help ?
Well least in my opinion it wouldn’t help them deploy to anywhere else than they already do, as you really need missile protection to deploy to an area like the Red sea, as the Rivers seem to be comfortable travelling everywhere else, even off the coast of North Korea.
It would be beneficial to have a larg3r gun system to provide protection in case of an unexpected attack, but if were talking about budget vessels like the Rivers that seems like an unlikely addition.
Though now the T31 is bringing 2 medium gun types into service I at least hope they’ll be more common on future platforms.
Yes, I don’t disagree with any of that, I suppose it comes down to the difference between peace and hostility, i’d not really expect these R2’s to be anywhere near the danger zones but again, it’s just all fantasy.
What would 76 help?
Fighting drones at 6-8km from ship. If with Dart rounds it coud destroy SSM’s fired from an Houthi kind of group.
If want to hit the Houthi launcher send in 76mm vulcano rounds.
Certainly better capability than the River.
Comandanti class, NH-90 capable telescopic hangar.
The modern 76mm is very flexible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqUZmspv_SY&ab_channel=Leonardo
They would never deploy a ship that lack basic missile defenses to deal with a situation like the Red sea.
The only cases where those capabilities would be applicable was if the ship was attacked by surprise in a seemingly non combat area.
I think the Rivers have some really good points which are demonstrated by their self sufficiency and range enabling them to roam the Indo-Pac. In those vast oceanic scenarios a small helicopter has little relevance and can be replaced by a capable drone or two.
I do think we should be working on a River 3 which can benefit from our remarkable achievements with the River 2s to replace the early Rivers. Another 5 would be good.
Good shout, it would give us presence in peacetime which helps to build international relationships without the intimidation factor.
A helo has so much more flexibility, however. I would always pair a helo (which can carry 5-8 people) with a drone or two, depending on type.
The River batch 2’s can carry Merlin and a couple of other small drones already though. Merlin is a very capable aircraft to have.
They have a flight deck. You wouldn’t, you couldn’t live without a hangar.
Indeed that is correct about the hanger but I just answered DeSaint’s comment to confirm they are designed to carry both merlin and smaller drones.
Not sure but I think early Frigates had no hangers for Wasp and later Lynx ?
Yes early ships carried Lynx and before that Wasp.
Yes and without hangers, just like the R2’s. It must have been pretty difficult without them in adverse weather and Arctic conditions.
You are in adverse conditions just being at sea.
They do have greater endurance but within bounds the BAM’s are just as ‘self sufficient’.
Just because you have a hangar you don’t necessarily always have to put a hangar into it. Do the RIver B2 have a drone hangar? Drones come n all sizes. Having a large covered space next to the flight deck is useful on its own.
The BAM is a cleaner deign. Look for example how the davits and so the ships boats are protected within the ships’ superstructure both from the sea and weather but radar too.
There are other designs in the same ‘weight class’ that are better packages too. I hear what you are saying but you haven’t really made a case for B2 River being better than BAM. You have just confirmed what I said that they are capable ships but not really the best.
If I were designing a ship to roam about the Indo-Pacific region it would be bigger than a River B2. I would say the smallest you would want is about 1000 tonnes larger. Something like say the Dutch Holland class. But really for those distances you need a proper ship.
It’s a compromise for a multi-role ship. The extra speed and endurance of the Rivers are good for anti-smuggling work. Something like the new Damen multi-purpose through deck would be far better for HADR at the same sort of price and with good duration, but too slow for some of the patrol duties. The B2s have a different balance of roles in Asia Pacific than in the Falklands or the West Indies. Nevertheless we need a single class to cover them. It’s difficult to say there is a single best.
Anti-smuggling work is best reserved for RIBs and helicopters. The mother ship having high endurance is important.
Something like the Fassmer 80m OPV which has 3 RIBs (2 x 7.5m RIB´s / 1x 11m Interceptor) plus aviation facilities seems to me to be the best package at the moment.
1000 tons larger IS the Spanish meteoro class
Spanish Meteoro class is 2800 tonnes. About the size of the early leanders !
94m length 14.2m beam
Thats a 1000 tonnes more than a B1 River
All old news. Until regulators approve the RN is battling against the tide constantly!
I have been thinking about previous trial ships like the good old Newton.