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Jardine criticized existing vessels as “outdated, sluggish, and expensive,” positioning the AIRCAT Bengal MC as a fast, heavily armed alternative that enhances lethality while offering superior operational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.
Can you offshore fishermen troll off this baby?
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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
Sorry guys, had to jump and make a trip out of town. Well being a hybrid might help it a bit. I hope it isn’t a flop like the last couple craft. Thank you for find that Rooster...
Thank you...
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