b'32 Partner News Winter 2023CorporateHow Large Uncrewed Surface Vessels can transform the naval industryBy Jake Rigby, Head of Innovation & Research at BMTWhilst previous work on Highly AutonomousCore challenges could help attract more talent into the Warship Technologies (HAWT) hasA common problem for naval fleets ismaritime industry.revolutionised the naval industry, they arethe lack of hull numbers. The increasing not a full solution on their own. Despitecomplexity required for potential warfareLUSVs differ from other uncrewed vessels the potential effectiveness of lean crewedmeans increasing costs and longerin several ways. The most obvious of this is warships, they are not the only solutionproduction times; preventing large numberssize. Roughly 80m in length, the LUSVs are needed to create a cost-effective fleet ofof vessels being produced. This limits thelarge enough to be able to survive high sea the future. flexibility and potential surge capacity ofstates, providing a more stable platform. fleets encountering any unexpected events.They feature sensors for connectivity The core challenge of how to effectivelyIt also means that there is an overall lack ofand low signature to reduce underwater provide additional mass to increase thecombat mass, meaning numerical superiorityradiated noise and reduce radar detection. operational capability of a fleet in a cost- is increasingly hard to achieve.effective manner points to a mixed fleetKey application scenariossolution, allowing different vessels withAcross most industries there is a skillsThese features mean LUSVs are well-placed varying roles and capability levels to workshortage, and the maritime industry is noto assist in scenarios such as anti-submarine together as a flexible force. different. Both a lack of availability andwarfare (ASW). A resource intensive training of personnel, coupled with growingendeavour, countering a threat from This is where the value of Large Uncrewedpay expectations means it can be incrediblyentering a sensitive area.Surface Vessels (LUSV) could bring a myriadchallenging to recruit and retain talent. of benefits. Fully autonomous platformsImplementing autonomy can break theOften lasting for several months, ASW can remove the requirement for space withinlink between fleet mass and the numberbe incredibly draining for personnel and the vessel to house personnel, nor will theyof trained personnel. Additionally, havingincreases the risk of damage to equipment need to be built to protect crew and lossoptions where crew can work from shoreor injury to personnel. Utilising LUSVs in of life. and have a more effective work-life balancefuture ASW scenarios means that they'