Autonomous vessels launched off San Diego to track vessels without identification signals
A San Diego startup deployed a fleet of 12-foot autonomous boats to conduct surveillance missions at sea. The vessels are designed to operate without crew and transmit data to shore-based operators.
nypost.comA fleet of autonomous surface vessels was launched from San Diego to conduct intelligence and surveillance operations at sea. The 12-foot Lightfish boats were developed to perform reconnaissance missions without a human operator onboard. The vessels can track weather, communicate coordinates, signal submarines, and identify vessels not transmitting Automatic Identification System signals.
One vessel tracked multiple warships inside Taiwan's exclusive economic zone and captured images confirming their type and origin.
Company development and contracts The company secured $40 million from investors and $100 million in defense contracts. The boats use acoustic sensors to detect underwater messages and convert them to radio signals for satellite transmission. A new San Diego headquarters spanning more than 61,000 square feet is scheduled to open in August and will house 70 employees.
The company stated it is engaging with Taiwan and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The first autonomous transit of the Taiwan Strait was completed during one of the missions. Company representatives said the vessels can operate in areas beyond the reach of shore-based radar systems.
