Sweden unveils small USV concept demonstrator project
The FMV's Ran concept demonstrator uses an off-the-shelf Maritime Robotics Mariner USV. (FMV)
Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) revealed on its website on 27 October the details of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) concept demonstrator programme designed to grow understanding of how a small-/medium-size USV could contribute to future maritime operations.
The FMV said the Norwegian-built craft – named Ran after the Norse goddess of the sea – is now entering the last 12 months of a three-year test programme. Although the platform type was not disclosed, Janes has identified it as a Mariner USV built by Trondheim-based Maritime Robotics.
Acquired off-the-shelf, the Mariner vehicle is 6 m long, weighs 2,000 kg, has a maximum speed of 24 kt, and can carry a payload of up to 400 kg. Situational awareness is derived through a camera, an automatic identification system (AIS) class B receiver, and radar, with high bandwidth connectivity provided by 4G LTE broadband wireless communications.
According to the FMV, the inherent flexibility of the Mariner USV means the Ran demonstrator can be used to explore different platform types and use cases. Examples include inter-island resupply, force protection, and seabed survey.
During the tests, the USV is remotely controlled and monitored by a pilot on board a support boat. Ran can also follow a pre-programmed route and incorporates a level of ‘sense and avoid' functionality to prevent collisions at sea.
For more information on Swedish USVs, please see REPMUS 2024: Swedish and Ukrainian USVs operate as ‘Red Forces' .
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
