Navy to use experimental warship to test autonomous systems

An experimental warship has been unveiled by the Royal Navy to be used to test advanced technologies including autonomous systems.

XV (Experimental Vessel) Patrick Blackett arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base earlier this week.

< p>The 138ft (42m) was converted from a Dutch built Damen 4008 Fast Crew Supply Ship and painted matte black with X01 insignia on the side.

The XV (experimental vessel) Patrick Blackett arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base on Wednesday July 27th. (Ben Mitchell/PA Wire)

Navy innovation experts NavyX will use the 270-ton vessel to test new systems without having to ground one of the world's smallest warships. fleet.

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< p>"The ship, crewed by five Royal Navy personnel, will have a 'plug and play' element to support the Navy's new Pods (persistently deployed systems) concept, this which means it can be re tailored to the specific trials or experiments it conducts, including drone and autonomous vessel testing and AI decision making.

"It will also have container security points on the working deck so that a range of payloads can be embarked, providing flexibility and a modern approach to testing."

NavyX plans XV Patrick Blackett to participate in Royal Navy and Navy exercises 'NATO, with the ability to be upgraded to run standalone technology.

The XV (Experimental Ship) Patrick Blackett which will be used by the innovation arm of the Royal Navy NavyX to test state-of-the-art technology. (Ben Mitchell/PA Wire)

Colonel Tom Ryall, Head of NavyX, said: "The arrival of this ship is a pivotal moment in NavyX's ability to deliver results to the Royal Navy. .

< p>"It will give us greater flexibility to experiment with new military capabilities and accelerate new technologies, kits and concepts to the front line."

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