Sharktech Autonomous Vessel Commercially Available

By Sarah Simpson / 24 Sep 2019
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Sea Machines Metal Shark Sharktech 29 Defiant

Sea Machines Metal Shark Sharktech 29 Defiant

Autonomous marine technology developer Sea Machines have partnered with leading shipbuilder Metal Shark in the development of a 29-foot autonomous vessel now commercially available through Metal Shark’s ‘Sharktech’ autonomous division.

A welded-aluminium monohulled pilothouse vessel, the Sharktech 29 Defiant features a range of advanced capabilities, including active control and collision avoidance. Capable of crewed, reduced-crew and unmanned autonomous operations, the Sharktech 29 Defiant utilises Sea Machines’ SM300 autonomous control and monitoring system.

Features include:

  • Integrated Sea Machines advanced technology suite
  • Military-proven hull
  • Powered by twin outboard engines
  • Top speeds in excess of 45 knots
  • Onboard systems commanded via direct wireless PC-based user interface
  • Industrialized remote control with joystick provides manual control
  • Belt-pack remote for vessel, systems and payload control within a 1 to 2 kilometer radius
  • ‘Human-in-the-loop’ navigation for both line-of-sight and ‘over-the-horizon’ operations
  • Advanced mission planning and situational awareness

Highly versatile and customisable, around 400 Metal Shark 29 Defiant vessels are already in service worldwide, however Metal Shark’s ‘Stock Boats Program’ has led to the development of a standardized configuration with reduced lead times. This means that the autonomous vessel is now readily available for acquisition by government and commercial operators.

 

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“In conjunction with Sea Machines we have developed a turn-key autonomous production model to be kept in our regular stock rotation and available for near-immediate delivery.” says Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard, “many people still think of autonomous technology in future terms, it has already arrived. With Sea Machines we’re bringing autonomy to market in a ready form that operators can buy today and run tomorrow.”

 

Posted by Sarah Simpson Specialising in digital copy Sarah is an experienced copywriter and researcher. Working with Unmanned Systems Technology Sarah has developed a passion for sourcing unique digital content and a talent for writing about the latest technical innovations in the unmanned sector. Connect & Contact