The U.S. Navy has successfully completed a 720-hour power demonstration of the MTU 8V4000M24S engine, designed for use on future unmanned surface vessels (USVs). This test is part of the Navy’s broader effort to evaluate engine systems for autonomous operations, as mandated by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
The final engine test, conducted from June 19 to September 5, was overseen by the Navy’s Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) and the Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406). It took place at Daimler Trucks North America Aftermarket Solutions in Tooele, Utah, with Precise Power Systems performing the testing on behalf of Austal USA.
The 720-hour demonstration is a critical part of a larger initiative to assess the resilience and capability of engine systems, ensuring they can support USVs in autonomous operations for extended periods without the need for maintenance. Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, head of PEO USC, emphasized the importance of the achievement, stating, “This milestone marks a pivotal advancement in our naval strategy, enhancing our capabilities in unmanned operations. Successfully demonstrating a power system that can sustain 30 days of autonomous operation sets the stage for an integrated manned-unmanned Fleet and keeps us at the forefront of maritime innovation.”
Related topics:
- Strabag Tests Fully Autonomous Asphalt Paving Technology on Austria’s A9 Motorway
- Cambustion Unveils Advanced Particulate Filter Testing System for Heavy-Duty Engines
- EU Approves €19.6 Million Wave Energy Project for Testing
