US Navy demonstrates successful at-sea refuelling capability for unmanned vessels

During the demonstration, the team ran dozens of full-cycle exercises at sea, in addition to pier-side demonstrations.

The training support vessel USNS Vindicator towed the refuelling system and transferred a total of 400 gallons (1,500 litres) of fuel to the USV during the event.

In total, the refueling system completed about 100 connection cycles over the course of a few days leading up to and including the event.

"This will allow us to have greater reliance on unmanned vessels ... and we can push the USVs into higher threat areas without risking manned vessels and personnel," said Ronald Raymer, branch head for capability, innovation, science and technology integration at US Fleet Forces Command. "It will also allow us to distribute greater capability into an area without having to invest in large, expensive manned vessels, and the refuelling supports that."

The event took place in the waters off Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, and was sponsored by US Fleet Forces Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division.