Uncrewed Surface Vehicles have already proved able to deliver a basic autonomous mine hunting capability for the Royal Navy. Here we look at proposals by AEUK to expand the role of USVs to act as sensor and weapon platforms.
As the RN begins the transition from crewed minehunters to autonomous systems, the first boat has been deployed to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. This is a small but significant step and much rests upon the success of this vessel in the operational environment.
HMS Magpie is the newest addition to the RN’s hydrographic squadron, commissioned in June 2018 to replace veteran survey launch HMS Gleaner. Here we examine this small and unusual vessel in detail.
During September and October, the Wilton Industry Show and Experiment for Mine Counter Measures (WISEX) was held in the Clyde approaches. This was an opportunity for industry to further demonstrate autonomous mine-hunting equipment and software.
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Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) are in the middle of a programme to build and deliver 38 SEA Class workboats used in various roles by RN. In this photo and video essay, we take a look at the Officer Training variant.
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AEUK has sub-contracted the construction of three SEA-class Passenger Transfer Boats (PTB) that will equip HMS Prince of Wales to Diverse Marine, based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and the vessels will be delivered to the RN later this year.
The Integrated Review confirmed what had been rumoured for some time – the RN will gradually replace its remaining 13 minehunters with remotely operated or autonomous systems based on small boats. This in-depth article considers the developments that are underway and the advantage and risks that come with this innovation.
The 13 Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels (MCMV) that remain active are ageing ships but a series of ongoing incremental upgrades will ensure they are able to remain in service into the early 2030s. Here we examine some of the upgrades and a take an overview of the complex plans for the RN’s future mine hunting capability (and attempt to navigate the confusing set of associated acronyms!).
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In September 2017 it was announced that Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) had won a £48M contract to supply up to 38 modular, multipurpose workboats for the RN. In this article, we look at these small craft in detail and how they will deliver enhanced capabilities to the fleet.
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