Key Takeaways
- The US Navy is seeking cost-effective solutions for force protection and expeditionary missions
- A proposed solution involves using rings of inexpensive autonomous vehicles to defend the fleet and installations
- The use of 3D printed or commercially available boat hulls, such as the Tideman Valor, could provide a low-cost platform for various missions
- Different versions of the boat can be equipped with various weapon systems, including CIWS, loitering munitions, and missile systems
Introduction to Autonomous Naval Defense
The US Navy is shifting its focus towards volume manufacturing of less expensive items, rather than relying on exquisite and expensive military goods. However, the cost of attritable drones, estimated to be around $250,000, is still prohibitively expensive for long conflicts. To address this, a new strategy is needed, one that involves changing what is made and how it is used.
Proposed Solution: Autonomous Naval Defense
The proposed solution involves using rings of inexpensive autonomous vehicles to defend the fleet and installations. This concept, dubbed the "Suicide Squid," involves using a low-cost boat hull, such as the Tideman Valor, as a platform for various missions. The Tideman Valor is a triple-engined 300 HP open-sea model that can be up to 14 meters long with a payload of up to 15,000 lbs. The boat itself costs around $250,000, with an additional $75,000 for engines and $150,000 for radar and coms.
Comparison of Proposed Boat Configurations
The following table compares the different proposed configurations of the autonomous boat:
| Configuration | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CIWS Unit | Close-in weapon system unit | $250,000 (boat) + $75,000 (engines) + $150,000 (radar and coms) + $500,000 (CIWS unit) |
| Uvision Hero 120 | 36-cell loitering munition unit with 150 munitions | $250,000 (boat) + $75,000 (engines) + $150,000 (radar and coms) + $200,000 (Uvision Hero 120 unit) |
| Rafael Spike NLOS | 2 x Rafael Spike NLOS Missile Systems with 8 missiles and a 50 caliber station | $250,000 (boat) + $75,000 (engines) + $150,000 (radar and coms) + $1,000,000 (Rafael Spike NLOS unit) |
| Altius Loitering Munition | Altius loitering munition set with a 500-kilometer range | $250,000 (boat) + $75,000 (engines) + $150,000 (radar and coms) + $300,000 (Altius loitering munition unit) |
Advantages and Challenges
The proposed solution offers several advantages, including a low-cost platform, flexibility in mission configuration, and the ability to 3D print or commercially purchase the boat hull. However, there are also challenges to be addressed, such as the development of autonomous systems, integration with existing naval systems, and the potential risks associated with using sacrificial vehicles.
Bottom Line
The use of autonomous naval defense systems, such as the proposed "Suicide Squid" concept, offers a potential solution to the US Navy's need for cost-effective force protection and expeditionary missions. By leveraging low-cost boat hulls and various weapon systems, the Navy can create a flexible and adaptable defense system that can be used to protect the fleet and installations. With further development and testing, this concept could provide a significant advantage in future naval conflicts.