Saronic Launches Two New Autonomous USVs

U.S. defence start-up Saronic has expanded its range of USVs with the launch of Mirage and Cipher, two new larger autonomous drone vessels.

Mirage and Cipher are 40 feet and 60 feet long, respectively, and complement the firm’s existing three uncrewed surface vessels, Spyglass, Cutlass, and Corsair, which range from six to 24 feet in length.

The larger of the two new USVs, Cipher, has a payload capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles; Mirage offers 2,000lbs and 2,000nms.

Saronic CEO Dino Mavrookas commented: “We are committed to advancing autonomous maritime capabilities that protect critical waterways, secure the maritime domain, and deliver lasting economic and security advantages to the U.S. and its allies.” 

He added: “The future of maritime dominance depends on the rapid adoption of these technologies — and achieving that future will require a diverse range of ASVs, from small vessels to larger systems designed to support existing and emerging critical mission needs.”

The firm has also recently introduced a still-larger platform, the 150ft Marauder, which it has dubbed a medium uncrewed surface vessel (MUSV). It has acquired Louisiana-based shipbuilder Gulf Craft with a view to using its shipyard as the prototyping and production hub for Marauder.

• You can read more details about the new vessels here and more about the firm on the Saronic website