DSEI 2023: Leidos displays Sea Hunter USV Unmanned Surface Vehicle.

Among the technological displays at this year's DSEI event, the US company Leidos presented a model of the Sea Hunter USV.
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Model of the Sea Hunter USV at DSEI 2023. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The Sea Hunter is an unarmed prototype trimaran, constructed with a budget of $20 million. Its design features a 132-foot central hull with two outriggers. This self-piloting vessel, equipped with twin screws, is powered by two diesel engines, enabling speeds up to 27 knots.

The vessel has a weight of 135 tons, with 40 tons dedicated to fuel storage, allowing for a 70-day cruise duration. Its specified cruising range is 10,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

With a full load displacement of 145 tons, the Sea Hunter can operate in Sea State 5 conditions, which include waves as high as 6.5 ft and winds up to 21 knots. It's also designed to endure Sea State 7 conditions with seas up to 20 ft.

The trimaran structure provides increased stability without the necessity for a weighted keel, making it suitable for shallow water operations. However, the design's width might somewhat limit its maneuverability.