The US Navy has announced that it is performing a series of planned test events to assess the autonomous capabilities that have been integrated into the shipboard configuration of the future Spearhead-class expeditionary USNS Apalachicola (EPF 13) vessel.
The tests aim to demonstrate that a large ship can become a self-driving platform. The vessel will be the first numbered hull in the navy with built-in vessel autonomy.
Known as Unmanned Logistics Prototype trials, each test event increases the perception capabilities and complexity of behaviours demonstrated by the autonomous systems.
Test evolutions so far have included point-to-point autonomous navigation, vessel handling and transfer of vessel control between manned to unmanned modes.
“The autonomous capabilities being demonstrated by this prototype system represent a major technological advancement for the EPF platform, the navy at large and our industry partners.
EPF 13 will be the first fully operational US naval ship to possess autonomous capability, including the ability to operate autonomously in a commercial vessel traffic lane,” Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift programme manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships said.
“This testing is a game changer and highlights that there is potential to expand unmanned concepts into existing fleet assets.”
As one of the US Defense Department's largest acquisition organisations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.
Future test events will add levels of difficulty and include night navigation and differing weather and sea states.
The trials will set crucial groundwork for autonomous vessel operations, including vessel encounter and avoidance manoeuvring and compliance with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
EPFs are shallow draught, commercial-based, catamaran designed for rapid, intra-theatre transport of personnel and equipment.
The EPF’s high-speed, shallow-draught, and ability to load and unload in austere ports enables manoeuvre force agility, achieving positional advantage over intermediate distances without reliance on shore-based infrastructure.
EPF 13 is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy later this year.
