MAST-13 Scarab fast interceptor vessel. Credit: © L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

L3Harris Technologies has demonstrated its autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) capabilities during the Royal Australian Navy-led (RAN) maritime exercise Autonomous Warrior 2022 (AW22).

The company showcased the operations of its MAST-13 Scarab ASV in the waters of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in collaboration with its partners in the Middle East region.

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Powered by twin diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, L3Harris’ MAST-13 is a 13m fast interceptor ASV, which has an endurance of over 36 hours.

It has a variety of integrated sensors including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) pan-tilt-zoom camera, radar and automated indication system (AIS).

As part of the demonstration, MAST-13 gathered real-time data and shared it with the L3Harris team at AW22 in Jervis Bay, Australia, using integrated onboard sensors.

This also involved live video and control data with operators located 7,500 miles away.

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The test validated ASV’s ability to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data to mission commanders worldwide.

The MAST-13 operations continued for two days, demonstrating the proficiencies of ASView system.

The user interface of ASView system, which is fitted into the ASV, was reflected between the two locations, each having the capability to monitor the vessel and its live sensor and video data.

This system enables autonomy on new and existing vessels, while providing various remote-control options for full collision regulation-aware autonomy.

According to L3Harris, the ASV was set in simulated patrol mission and used its radars and cameras to monitor the surrounding’s activities.

The systems also allowed operators to quickly identify contacts by radar and AIS to see if contacts were potential threats or interests.

In 2019, L3Harris’ MAST-13 ASV was procured by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to protect the Royal Navy’s ships from potential threats.

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