Spartan Scout

Spartan Scout
History
Launched: c.2002
General characteristics
Type: Rigid hull inflatable boat
Tonnage: 2 tons
Length: 7 m (23 ft)
Capacity: 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) payload
Sensors and
processing systems:
Various electro-optical, infrared; Surface search radar
Armament: .50 caliber machine gun

Spartan Scout, an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration, is a crewless surface watercraft, also known as an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed by the United States in 2001, and first demonstrated in late 2003. The craft, a rigid hull inflatable boat, weighs 2 tons, and is 7 metres (23 ft) in length. It has a .50 caliber machine gun, as well as various sensors such as electro-optical and infrared surveillance and surface search radar. The Spartan is capable of carrying a 3,000-pound (1,400 kg) payload. According to a press release from the United States Navy, the Spartan Scout will also come in a 11-metre (36 ft) version, capable of carrying a 5,000-pound (2,300 kg) payload.[1]

Although a two-man boat crew is needed to deploy the Spartan Scout, once deployed it is capable of working autonomously or semi-autonomously. During its demonstration deployment, the Spartan Scout was configured for surface surveillance and force protection, although it can potentially be configured for more complex missions.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Spartan Deployed on Gettysburg". Navy News Service. 22 December 2003. NNS031223-02. Retrieved 2006-01-26.

Sources

Bosworth, Michael L. (2006). "Crewless surface watercraft". Yearbook of Science and Technology 2006. McGraw-Hill. 


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