Autonomous minehunter RNMB Apollo passes trials

Run in December 2022 but only just announced, the trials featured Royal Navy Motor Boat (RNMB) Apollo, an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) that can be remotely operated and which also has autonomous capabilities. The trials were part of the Anglo-French Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme, which is delivering autonomous capability for both the Royal Navy and the Marine nationale (French Navy).

Apollo is equipped with a combination of different sensors, including radar, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) and electro-optical and infra-red cameras. These allowed the vessel’s position to be continuously relayed to the command and control centre over a secure communications network during the trials.

Thales MCube mission management software is used onshore to merge the sensor inputs into a single tactical picture for command and control. According to the company, the trials demonstrated that remotely controlled uncrewed vessels can be operated remotely by a shore-based team, while at the same time retaining awareness of its course and position utilising line of sight communications systems.