Royal Navy begins trials of its first ever crewless boat

An unmanned fast rigid inflatable boat, capable of patrolling autonomously for 45 hours or pursuing hostile targets at 38kts for 100 miles is entering sea trials with the Royal Navy. 

The crewless Pacific 24 boat is based on the current RIB in service with the Royal Navy – which is used in a wide range of roles, from landing commandos on shore to raiding vessels suspected of smuggling drugs. 

The autonomous boat will communicate directly with a ship’s combat management system, allowing the smaller vessel to be sent off beyond visual range to get a closer view of potential threats or targets. 

The first prototypes have been operating with HMS Argyll, pictured, to demonstrate whether the concept worked

Now, the Royal Navy has authorised a £3 million project to determine whether the autonomous P24, pictured, would be able to operate in a front-line role

It will also be possible to equip the boat with a General Purpose Machine Gun, that will be controlled by a human operator back on the main ship, allowing the Pacific 24 to be sent into dangerous situations without a risk to life. 

Some £3m is being invested in the project in what the Royal Navy are describing as the ‘fleet of tomorrow’.  

It is planned that the boats could operate either individually, or in groups, covering large areas of ocean. 

The Pacific 24 is capable of travelling at speeds of almost 38kts – 44mph. In pursuit mode, it has a range of 100 nautical miles. 

According to the Royal Navy: ‘The Pacific 24 has been the backbone of sea boat operations from Royal Navy warships for more than a quarter of a century, with the latest variant, the Mark 4, introduced four years ago.

‘The boats are fundamental to life-saving search-and-rescue duties, serve as the springboard for commandos and sailors on board-and-search operations looking for drugs in the Caribbean and Middle East, and ferry personnel and stores between ships or from ship to shore.’

The navy is considering whether the unmanned vessels could be used for new types of missions. 

The autonomous boats could deploy Commandos or ferry personnel between ships or between ships and the shore. 

Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement said: ‘Commencing the trials of the crewless Pacific 24 boat is an important stepping stone in the Royal Navy’s development of its autonomous capability to ensure our fleet remains at the forefront of military innovation and technology, ready to meet the evolving threats of modern warfare.’ 

The autonomous boat is capable for chasing a suspect vessel for 100 nautical miles at pursuit speed

The new Autonomous Pacific 24 Rigid Inflatable Boat is capable of patrolling for 45 hours – far exceeding the endurance of a human crew

The project has been developed by BAE Systems who have been commissioned by NavyX – who deal with cutting-edge new technology – to assess whether the autonomous boats have a front-line role. 

The first trial boats have been controlled by frigate HMS Argyll.

According to the Royal Navy, the boat’s hull and propulsion systems are the same as the conventional version. 

However, the experimental boat is fitted with sensor which provide it with additional capability. 

A sailor will give the boat ‘generic tasking’, but the boat, using its sensors, will decide on the best way to complete the mission. 

Lieutenant Commander Rob Manson of NavyX said: ‘The autonomous Pacific 24 is not just a step change for the Royal Navy in unmanned operations, it also ensures the Navy remains at the forefront of technological improvement and innovation.

‘While initial tasks are likely to be familiar to those who already operate a Pacific 24, the autonomous nature of this craft adds huge capability and flexibility.

‘Additionally, this capability can be constantly improved, allowing continuous updates and capability upgrades, resulting in regular additions to the toolbox of operational planners.’

The first stage of the trial will begin this month before the project team integrate the autonomous boat into a front-line warship’s combat and navigation systems later this year. 

According to the Royal Navy, the sea trial will determine whether they will order a few autonomous boats for specific tasks or for a fleet of the high-tech RIBs.

The boats could also be used to ferry personnel between ships or to the shore