Metal Shark Set to Debut Cutting-Edge Unmanned Surface Vessel at Sea-Air-Space 2025

[By: Metal Shark]

Get ready,folks! louisiana’s own Metal Shark is about to unveil it’s cutting-edge unmanned surface vessel at the Sea-Air-Space military symposium in National Harbor,MD. This exciting event runs from April 7th to 9th adn will feature live demonstrations on the water.

The star of the show is Metal Shark’s High Speed maneuverable Unmanned Surface vessel (HSMUSV), a sleek 21-foot military craft designed for both unmanned operation and human oversight. This innovative vessel aims to provide U.S. Armed Forces and their allies with an affordable, versatile USV solution that can be quickly deployed in response to urgent needs.

Basing its design on the triumphant Relentless-class monohull platform—over 400 of which have been delivered to the U.S. Navy as optionally-manned High Speed Maneuvering Surface Targets (HSMST)—the HSMUSV promises high performance.

“We’ve been delivering manned HSMSTs at an notable rate of up to three units weekly,” shared Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark. “With our current production capabilities, we can roll out one HSMUSV daily, keeping costs significantly under $500,000 depending on configuration.”

Differentiating itself from typical retrofitted USVs, this vessel comes fully equipped with proprietary hardware and software developed by Metal Shark’s own SharkTech Unmanned Systems division right from the factory floor. The onboard system allows for seamless human-in-the-loop operations while integrating easily with various COLREGS, ATR systems, and AI software.

The user-pleasant interface provided by SharkTech gives remote operators real-time telemetry data including mission status and video feeds while allowing command inputs through both line-of-sight HF radio or beyond-line-of-sight Starlink satellite connections—all secured via a VPN tunnel for HQ integration.Operators can manage the HSMUSV using desktop setups or portable control stations.

The HSMUSV features adaptable payload bays that accommodate various equipment—from tethered drones for surveillance missions to munitions systems capable of deploying explosive charges—all managed through its native software framework. Attendees at Sea-Air-Space will see it outfitted with AeroVironment Inc.’s Multi-Pack Launcher—a robust six-round autonomous launch battery designed for all-weather conditions featuring Switchblade 300 UAVs known for their precision strike capabilities without excessive collateral damage.

This versatile vessel can be powered by either diesel or gasoline engines; it boasts an impressive range exceeding 500 nautical miles at cruising speeds around 25 knots—topping out near 40 knots! At slower speeds? It can loiter around ten days without needing refueling! “The HSMUSV is just one part of our extensive USV lineup,” noted Mr. Allard proudly; “we cater everything from micro USVs up to larger vessels measuring up to 115 feet.” p>

If you’re interested in maritime security innovations like these—or simply want a closer look—head over to Booth 2043 during Sea-Air-Space at Gaylord Resort in National Harbor between April 7th-9th where both this new model and optionally manned HSMSTs will be showcased live! p>