US Navy USV Swarm Program Extended

By Mike Ball / 06 May 2019

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

US Navy swarm USV

Spatial Integrated Systems Inc. (SIS) has announced the extension of its Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Swarming program under the auspices of the Office of Naval Research (ONR). USV Swarm 2019 will set another benchmark for US Navy USV operations as it will be the first integrated heterogeneous eight USV Swarm of autonomous Very Small (class 1) and Small (class 2) USVs, which will conduct a coordinated mission. The objective is to demonstrate the utility of very small and small, inexpensive USVs that can be produced in large numbers quickly.

SIS is the lead integrator and demonstration lead for Swarm and its notable preceding demonstrations: Swarm I and Swarm II. In partnership with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), SIS adapted the intelligent autonomous technologies used by NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Program to meet the requirements of the US Navy. SIS’ expansion of intelligent autonomous capabilities for United States defense clients is accelerative and reflects their rapid advancement of autonomous systems.

Swarm I, conducted in 2014, demonstrated the ability for five USVs to perform as a team, under one operator, without safety riders or remote control, “a first for the US Navy.” Swarm (2016) built on those cooperative behaviors by demonstrating a different unmanned mission with 4 USVs. During another event in 2018, SIS successfully demonstrated cooperative autonomous behaviors amongst unmanned surface vehicles during a live demonstration with larger ships.

SIS Technical Director, Carl Conti, said, “We’re at a fascinating moment in Naval history. Autonomous systems are emerging as pivotal capabilities on, under, and above the seas. SIS is facilitating breakthrough in this space by leveraging our decades of operational and technical expertise specific with autonomous technologies and missions, and we’re driving to ensure this advantage is America’s own.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Jun 13, 2025
Advanced Navigation’s Micro AUV Reveals Coral Bleaching at Remote Southern Reef

Using autonomous underwater technology, Advanced Navigation and O2 Marine have documented severe coral bleaching at Hall Bank, revealing climate impacts on one of Earth’s southernmost reefs

Jun 13, 2025
D-2 CTD Sensors Displayed at Combined Naval Event 2025

D-2 Inc. highlighted its latest underwater sensor technologies and mobile fuel testing system during Combined Naval Event 2025, held May 20–22 in Farnborough, UK

Jun 13, 2025
Deep Trekker ROVs Support Inland Demining Efforts

Deep Trekker has delivered sixteen REVOLUTION ROVs to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, supporting underwater EOD missions through a UNDP initiative

Jun 13, 2025
Systork Launches Upgraded Linnet Mosaic-X5 GNSS Module

Systork introduces the Linnet Mosaic-X5, featuring enhanced thermal performance, microSD logging, and full GNSS support for drones and robotics in challenging environments

Jun 13, 2025
Wave Relay Devices Receive NSA Approval for Classified Communications

Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® devices have received NSA approval for CSfC use, offering secure, commercial alternatives to legacy classified communication solutions

Jun 13, 2025

Featured Content

MEMS DC Accelerometers from SDI Deliver Superior Performance for Unmanned Systems

SDI's MEMS DC accelerometers offer a robust solution for unmanned aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles, providing precise static and dynamic motion sensing, crucial for autonomous navigation, attitude feedback, and structural monitoring

Jun 12, 2025
Calian GNSS Unveils New Anti-Jamming CRPA with XF+ Filtering

Calian GNSS has introduced the CR8894SXF+, a compact CRPA antenna with in-band null forming and XF+ filtering for resilient GNSS performance in interference-prone environments

Jun 06, 2025
Honeywell Introduces HG3900 Tactical-Grade IMU with Enhanced Sensor Accuracy

Honeywell has introduced the HG3900 IMU, a MEMS-based device with tactical-grade accuracy, offering significant SWaP advantages for precision navigation systems

Jun 05, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.