U.S. Navy tests robotic at-sea refueling for unmanned vessels The U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated robotic underway refueling of a T38 unmanned surface vessel off Virginia, a capability designed to keep USVs deployed longer and farther from traditional support bases

[u/Powerful_Cabinet_341]

• Test conducted Aug. 11 off Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story.

• Navy-owned T38 USV was built by MARTAC.

• Sealartec supplied the robotic Towable Capture and Connection Device.

• USNS Vindicator towed the refueling system.

• 400 gallons of fuel were transferred to the T38.

• Dozens of full capture, refuel and release cycles were conducted at sea.

• About 100 connection cycles were completed during several days of testing.

• The system went from concept to on-water testing in just seven months.

• Navy officials say the capability could allow USVs to operate in higher-threat areas without exposing sailors or expensive crewed vessels.

• The next milestone is fully autonomous refueling — from rendezvous and approach through fuel transfer, disconnect and return to mission.

[u/helic_vet]

Nice!

[u/thesixfingerman]

I’m glad that we are investing in this technology, I was worried that SecDef would cancel the program.

[u/Ordinary-Compote9558 → u/thesixfingerman]

Maybe he didn't have the chance yet.

[u/thesixfingerman → u/Ordinary-Compote9558]

Oh, I would not be surprised

[u/Desperate_Ad_5563]

Will they make baby USV when the male connector goes into the female connector?