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.

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.

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.

https://indiandefencereview.co...es-without-stopping/

Pics at link. I tried to post one but it's just too massive.

Some are calling the new design great. Others are saying it's a barge that won't even be able to navigate 10 foot swells.

The latter say it's nothing but a fundraising PR stunt.

I know we've got ex naval folks here. What say ye?

Fake. The ship doesn't exist except as a concept from a company that has never built a ship.

It seems like a good idea, and given how much naval drones developed during Ukraine, it’s probably fairly simple.

Someone posted about a magnetic field based nav system which does not require GPS, so it should be fairly simple to get some kind of boat, in good weather, to be autonomous.

I would think something along the lines of those semi submerged drug smuggling “subs” would work better though.

They wouldn't publicate the speed if it was true. The top speed will always be listed as 30+ knots.

So, will Skynet or Seanet destroy us first?

Forty-four tons (I assume this is displacement, which is the weight of the water, so the ship/boat itself is less) sounds more like a boat than a ship, smaller than the PT Boats of WWII (~56-70 tons displacement).

Click-bait article.

This is a nothing burger. At most, this is simply a concept idea from an obscure company that nobody has ever heard of...if it's even real; Indian Defense Review (?). There's no way a ship of this size, is carrying all the weapons that are listed, not to mention the range the US Navy is looking for which doesn't even come close what's needed in the future fight.

quote:

and It Can Hit 1,150 Miles Without Stopping

But can it travel 1150 miles without hitting anything?
That's the important question. Kinda hard to relieve AI of command for loss of confidence.

This lives in the same universe as the Phalanx Dragon from AAC.

This: Dragon

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:
But can it travel 1150 miles without hitting anything?

It depends on whether the AI program is female or male.


.

quote:

It depends on whether the AI program is female or male.

I hope it has good navigation capability, because it's not going to stop and ask directions.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

It depends on whether the AI program is female or male.

I hope it has good navigation capability, because it's not going to stop and ask directions.

So then, the AI identifies as male.

quote:

Originally posted by onegeek:
So then, the AI identifies as male.

So it is unlikely to hit anything, but it may take a little longer to reach its destination than it should.


.

It's a pipe dream. Every warship advertisement is for a Tardis that can go 1000 NM without refueling and carry more weapons than an aircraft carrier.

"But wait! There's more! Order one AIRCAT Bengal MC in the next 15 minutes and get a second one FREE! Just pay shipping and handling..."

Did anyone actually watch Terminator?

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:
Did anyone actually watch Terminator?

Probably, but they always miss the point.

DARPA actually HAS a real ship, and a bit bigger than this.

https://www.twz.com/sea/usx-1-...at-sea-demonstration

Sounds like “station fleets of them around the world, have a sub slip in, give firing orders, as needed.”