The Age Of Sail Is Back, But Now The Ships Have Missiles

The age of sail is returning to the world’s oceans, except this time the vessels don’t carry any sailors, use artificial intelligence to track ships and can even launch missiles.

California-based Saildrone manufactures autonomous ships that combine centuries-old wind propulsion with advanced military surveillance technology, allowing them to patrol the oceans for months without crews, according to the company. The company is expanding its European manufacturing operations into Norway, where Norwegian shipbuilder Umoe Mandal will manufacture its 65-foot Surveyor surveillance vessels, Defense News reported Wednesday.

Unlike conventional sailing ships, Saildrone vessels use rigid, aircraft-like wings instead of fabric sails, harnessing wind to propel themselves across the ocean while computer systems control their navigation, according to Saildrone.

“Saildrone USVs combine long endurance, advanced sensors, autonomous capabilities, and human oversight to provide continuous maritime surveillance at a fraction of the cost and risk of traditional crewed vessels,” the company told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “We currently have approximately 75 USVs on mission across the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Southern Ocean, Baltic Sea, and Middle East, supporting a range of defense, ocean mapping, and scientific missions.”

The technology allows relatively small vessels to conduct extended maritime operations without requiring onboard sailors, food supplies or traditional crew accommodations, according to the company’s technical specifications.

Saildrone has developed four classes of autonomous vessels, ranging from the 23-foot Explorer to the 65-foot Surveyor and the massive 170-foot Spectre, its largest model, which remains under development, according to the company’s product lineup.

The smallest model, Explorer, relies primarily on wind propulsion and can remain at sea for more than 12 months, traveling at average speeds of one to three knots, according to Saildrone.

Its larger Voyager and Surveyor models incorporate electric and diesel propulsion, respectively, supplemented by wind power. Both are designed to operate for approximately 100 days between servicing stops, according to the company’s specifications.

The vessels carry radar, infrared cameras, satellite communication equipment and artificial intelligence systems capable of detecting and identifying ships, including vessels attempting to avoid conventional tracking systems, according to Saildrone.