Posted on 04/28/2025 4:32:19 AM PDT by Red Badger
The US has just unveiled a revolutionary warship with capabilities unlike anything seen before. Built for speed, power, and autonomy, this 44-ton vessel could change naval warfare forever.
US Unveils World’s First a 44-Ton, AI-Driven Warship — and It Can Hit 1,150 Miles Without Stopping - copyright Shutterstock
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The United States has unveiled the AIRCAT Bengal MC, a next-generation warship that is being called the most advanced autonomous naval vessel ever designed.
Developed by Eureka Naval Craft in partnership with Australian marine autonomy specialist Greenroom Robotics and naval architects from ESNA, the vessel marks a significant advancement in military maritime technology.
Measuring 36 meters long, the Surface Effect Ship (SES) combines speed, heavy payload capabilities, and autonomous navigation, offering a glimpse into the future of naval warfare.
Pushing the Boundaries of Speed and Payload Capacity According to Eureka Naval Craft, the AIRCAT Bengal MC stands out with its ability to carry a 44-ton payload, making it the first autonomous warship capable of transporting two full-size 40 ISO footprint modules.
Despite its size, the vessel can reach speeds of more than 50 knots, depending on the payload, and has a range of 1,000 nautical miles. Designed for maximum versatility, it can operate both crewed and autonomously, offering operational flexibility that traditional warships lack.
Its introduction is seen as a way to de-risk reliance on larger, costlier, crewed ships while maintaining superior firepower and maneuverability.
Armed for Modern Maritime Conflicts
Equipped with the ability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM), the AIRCAT Bengal MC brings significant offensive capabilities to the table. According to Bo Jardine, CEO of Eureka Naval Craft, the vessel aims to disrupt the traditional naval market in its weight class.
Jardine criticized existing vessels as “outdated, sluggish, and expensive,” positioning the AIRCAT Bengal MC as a fast, heavily armed alternative that enhances lethality while offering superior operational speed.
This combination of firepower and agility makes it an appealing option for modern navies looking to maintain a technological edge.
A Platform Built for Multiple Missions
Beyond its combat capabilities, the AIRCAT Bengal MC is designed to serve a wide range of mission profiles. It can function as a troop transport, a landing support craft, an electronic warfare platform, a drone mothership, and a vessel for mine laying and counter-mine warfare.
The ship’s modular design enables users to customize its features based on specific operational needs, offering a high degree of mission adaptability.
This flexibility is consistent with Eureka’s broader fleet strategy, which includes other vessels like the Bengal, Lynx, Jaguar, and Panther, each tailored to specialized roles such as reconnaissance, rescue, and high-speed transport.
Bengal MC infographic. Eureka Naval Craft
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Advanced Autonomy Powered by Greenroom Robotics
Central to the AIRCAT Bengal MC’s cutting-edge capabilities is its advanced autonomous navigation system developed by Greenroom Robotics. The system, called Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA), enhances human operators through all phases of the vessel’s operations.
GAMA’s effectiveness was proven during the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), where it was validated on a 57-meter decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat named Sentinel.
James Keane, CEO of Greenroom, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the system’s potential to significantly elevate the vessel’s autonomous capabilities.
Designed for both military power and cost-efficiency, the AIRCAT Bengal MC is expected to appeal to the US Navy, US Marine Corps, AUKUS partners, NATO allies, and regional navies such as those in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Its combination of lethal capabilities, operational efficiency, and adaptability positions it as a formidable addition to the future naval landscape.
My complaint is with the “claims” they make. No way... We are going to fund this and find out it does no better than any other Craft like it.
I have an extensive background in fluid dynamics. And see that this hull is that of a hovercraft, an air-cushion vehicle. “Surface Effect Ship.” The top speeds are another indicator.
And I did not cheat and go against FReeper custom and click through to the article to figure this out, I just actually read what was posted.
How much lag time of warning do you suppose our forces would have, before an enemy EMP weapon detonated within range of causing damage?
I don’t see any solar panels or Trannies on it, so a non-starter for Western militaries. Perhaps Russia and/or China might be interested in it, though.
Every non-ocean going vessel the navy has come up with for 60 years gets related to coastal ops in Florida. Very limited mission capability. We must have a threat/need to develop brown water vessels but I have not heard that threat articulated yet.
Thank you, that makes some sense
Hopefully, there’s more to the hull design than they’re showing here.
“I have an extensive background in fluid dynamics. And see that this hull is that of a hovercraft, an air-cushion vehicle. “Surface Effect Ship.” The top speeds are another indicator.”
I understand that. And I understand hovercraft. But when seas get over five feet those cushion bags in the front are going to just crumple and fold under with each wave it hits. It will be like kicking it’s legs out from under it which will cause it to nose dive into those waves.
My criticism is about their claims it will be anymore efficient than any other craft like it. Five Foot seas are not smart enough to know the difference between an AI driven ship or human driven ship. It will treat them both the same.
This is more propaganda to sell AI...
So it has only one eye?
“Every non-ocean going vessel the navy has come up with for 60 years gets related to coastal ops in Florida. Very limited mission capability. We must have a threat/need to develop brown water vessels but I have not heard that threat articulated yet.”
Exactly... It is just selling our Navy stuff it really doesn’t need. MIC sales marketing again.
When you take the human element out of war it becomes easier to wage war.
How about a nice game of chess?
EC
The use of icons in presentations cracks me up. Users think they’re hip and cutting edge using these.
Much has, to 50,000 volts per meter.
So the bad guys just up-power the space nuke effect to 100,000 volts per meter.
The 50K protection remains effective against the low energy, intra-atmopheric EMPs, or vehicle mounted DEWs.
Eureka Naval Craft is introducing its suite of high-speed AIRCAT (air cushion catamarans) surface effect ships (SES), already in use with the offshore energy industry, to the defense market.According to Bo Jardine, CEO of Eureka Naval Craft, a newly formed U.S.-based naval defense company, the versatile suite of AIRCAT naval vessels can serve as a patrol craft, rescue craft, medical evacuation vessels, heavily armed small combatants and landing craft.
The AIRCAT SES has both an air cushion, like a hovercraft, and twin hulls like a catamaran.
Source: marinelink.com
We must have a threat/need to develop brown water vessels but I have not heard that threat articulated yet.
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China - lots of brown water.
Looks to be an unbuilt computer fantasy.
Is this a real boat?
Not yet.............
Great boat...
Put a trolling motor on it and it might make a fearsome bassboat...
No doubt thanks to our traitors, the CCP is right on top of this as well.
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