Concept Will Optimise MOMARS Development and Construction

L3Harris Technologies is to design an autonomous surface ship concept for the US Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA), the company announced on 2 March.

Selected for phase one of the two-phase No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) programme, L3Harris aims to demonstrate the reliability and feasibility of an unmanned ship performing lengthy missions. The company’s design concept will streamline NOMARS’ construction, logistics, operations and maintenance life-cycle. The company has teamed with VARD Marine to validate the concept and design of the architecture and hull, mechanical and electrical systems. The design features an advanced operating system that can make decisions and determine actions on its own – without direct human interaction. This concept optimises autonomous surface ship operations to support USN future missions.

“L3Harris continues to pioneer innovative autonomous solutions that offer fully automated and integrated ship control and preventative maintenance systems to the US Navy and its allies,” explained Sean Stackley, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “The NOMARS program selection reinforces our commitment to deliver highly reliable and affordable autonomous solutions that transform the way the US Navy conducts its future missions.”

L3Harris has extensive experience in unmanned surface vehicle (USV) systems, with over 125 USVs and optionally-manned vehicles delivered to US and international navies, universities, research institutions and commercial businesses.