Saildrone has launched the first of its new generation of Surveyor autonomous vessels, an aluminum version that the Navy is interested in utilizing. However, these vessels are not being armed.
Founder and CEO Richard Jenkins stated that the demand for vessels like Saildrone’s is increasing. He believes that ocean observing will continue to grow in size, complexity, and quality, with aerial, surface, and subsurface technologies all playing a role.
The 20-meter SD-3000 is similar to previous Surveyor versions but features an aluminum hull instead of the previous fiberglass/carbon composite. The wing is still composite.
Jenkins explained that aluminum was chosen for its robustness, longevity in the ocean environment, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to be rapidly mass-produced at large factories like Austal. He noted that the U.S. lacks comparable scale in composite production facilities.
Saildrone’s vessels provide high-resolution data from both above and below the sea surface, with much higher spatial and temporal resolution than satellites. The sonar onboard can reach depths of 11,000 meters.
Richard Jenkins, CEO of Saildrone
What’s Next for Marine Saildrone?
Improved marine intelligence is beneficial for climate science, international logistics, law enforcement, and military operations. Admiral Lisa Franchetti highlighted that uncrewed vehicles allow crewed ones to focus on tasks that require human involvement, such as persistent observation.
While the Navy is interested in Saildrone’s new vessel for its intelligence capabilities, there are no plans to weaponize them. The Surveyors are designed for information gathering, not combat.
Austal is expected to produce one Surveyor every six weeks initially. The SD-3000 and other aluminum models will be tested by the Navy for their capability to provide surface and undersea intelligence, including for anti-submarine warfare.