We’ve previously discussed unmanned military systems on TG, although such platforms are typically associated with the United States Air Force and its diverse fleet of remotely piloted aircraft.
Not to be outdone, the US Navy is also working on a number of unmanned drones designed to cruise the oceans and waterways around the world protecting critical assets, executing recon missions and perhaps ultimately even assisting in search and rescue operations.
The most recent test of a Navy remote-controlled drone was conducted off the shore of Maryland. The unmanned ship is a rather small vessel that seems to have an inflatable hull and appears somewhat similar to the inflatable boats used by special forces soldiers.
During the offshore test, the Navy fired several missiles from a deck mounted missile launcher at a floating target. The drone ship is equipped with a Precision Engagement Module that uses a MK-49 mount with a dual muscle launcher manufactured by the Israeli-based Rafael.
A total of six missiles were fired from the floating remote-controlled surface ship. The video, which you can see above, has a very awkward angle and appears to show the missiles missing target. However, at one point early in the video you can clearly see two holes in the floating target where the missiles struck and easily passed through – splashing down in the ocean behind its rarget.
Interestingly, the Navy says that what appear to be a series of misses is nothing more than a bad camera angle and promises all six missiles accurately hit their targets.
