Saildrone has revealed a new high-speed unmanned surface vessel (USV) design intended for naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and strike missions, the company stated.
The new platform, named Spectre, represents a larger and more capable evolution of the company’s existing USV family, following two years of development drawing on more than a decade of operational experience.
At 52 metres in length and displacing around 250 tonnes, Spectre is significantly larger than previous Saildrone platforms and is designed to operate at speeds of up to 30 knots. The vessel is configured for multiple mission types, with two variants planned: a “Silent Endurance” version using wind-assisted propulsion for extended, low-signature operations, and a “Stealth Strike” variant designed for higher-speed and kinetic roles.
According to the company, the platform combines wind, solar and diesel propulsion, with twin shaftlines enabling near-silent electric propulsion at lower speeds. Higher-speed operations are supported by diesel engines producing up to 5,000 horsepower. The vessel is also designed to carry a range of payloads, including containerised systems, sonar arrays and missile launchers.
Richard Jenkins, Saildrone’s founder and CEO, said: “Spectre is the result of 25 years of continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. A unique design evolved through the hard lessons of operational experience in the real world.”
He added: “Spectre is not a craft hurriedly readied to meet a particular RFP, but diligently evolved over multiple years to meet the operational requirements of our customers and fill critical capability gaps in the ASW domain.”
The design has been tested using scale models in tow tank trials in Denmark, with the company stating that performance characteristics have been validated under a range of sea conditions. The vessel has also received Approval in Principle from the American Bureau of Shipping under high-speed naval craft standards.
Saildrone is working with Lockheed Martin to ensure compatibility with a range of payload systems. Paul Lemmo, Vice President at Lockheed Martin, said: “Spectre represents a transformative step forward for naval surface warfare.”
He added: “Its endurance, payload flexibility, and seamless integration with advanced missile and sonar systems will give the US Navy a persistent, low observable USV that can deliver on a spectrum of maritime missions.”
Construction of the platform is expected to take place in Wisconsin through Fincantieri Marine Group, with capacity to build up to five vessels per year. The first unit is expected to begin sea trials in early 2027.
Wow that’s big. The largest single-masted sailing vessel ever built is 80m long and it’s as long (but not as tall) as the Bayesian yacht that capsized off Sicily a couple of years ago. Also significantly larger than the J class racing sloops. With no way of furling the sail that’s monstrously big and will be extremely imposing.
I like the sound of sailing ASW, though I doubt it will like North Atlantic storms.
Probably more expensive than both of those (If It ever leaves the “Drawing Board”).