Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division’s Blue Water Instrumentation successfully demonstrated a robotic towed connector system designed to capture, refuel, and release unmanned surface vessels at sea, marking a significant step toward persistent autonomous maritime operations.
Developed through a rapid seven-month government-industry partnership, the demonstration utilized Maritime Tactical Systems Inc.’s T38 remotely controlled USV and Sealartec’s towable capture and connection device. During the August 11 event off the coast of Virginia, the training support vessel USNS Vindicator towed the refueling device and transferred 400 gallons of fuel to the T38. The system completed approximately 100 connection cycles over several days of pierside and underway testing. This is reported by DVIDS.
Spencer Holloway, director of BWI’s Future Capabilities Office, noted that the technology addresses the challenge of keeping data-collection assets on station during long-range hypersonic testing without relying on crewed support ships. Ronald Raymer of U.S. Fleet Forces Command added that autonomous refueling allows the fleet to push USVs into higher-threat areas without risking personnel.
Sealartec CEO Amitai Peleg outlined plans to transition the architecture from remote operation to full autonomy using automated communication and maneuvering algorithms. BWI’s next objective is an end-to-end autonomous refueling test covering vessel rendezvous, fuel transfer, and return to mission.
