This thesis is an initial conceptual study of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) for the
Swedish Navy. The purpose is to highlight challenges and possibilities connected to
unmanning a vessel and to suggest one specific concept.
Generating one concept meant weighing characteristics of different hull types against one
another to derive a valuable compromise. The generated concept includes a feature of
longitudinal bulkheads separating an inner, dry volume from outer ballast volumes. The
latter fill with seawater at low velocities, causing the hull to partly submerge which in turn
decreases signature and increases ballistic protection within the semi-submerged speed
range. The!concept!measures 6.2 by 2.3 meters, weigh, approximately 1800 kg and may
reach a calm water top speed of 44 knots. Investigating needs and potentials of an
unmanned vessel within the Swedish Navy resulted in a set of requirements, including the
possibility to arm the USV. This study investigates feasibility of carrying the SAAB Trackfire
remote weapon platform aboard.
Development of the initial USV concept was focused on aspects of naval architecture,
including the making of a!general arrangement, evaluating materials, a structural design,
stability and power need analysis. Although unmanned vessels are likely to be subject to
lessened structural safety factors as opposed to manned, scantling determination is based
on DNV rules for classification of High Speed, Light Craft and Naval Surface Craft.