The first patented unmanned surface vessel, the first uSV, was designed and built by robert J murphy and a small team
1st Generation
The OWL
The World’s First Patented USV
In 1986, the idea for an unmanned surface vessel, the first USV became a reality and within three years obtained two US Patents. An unmanned boat with its unique capabilities quickly adopted by the US Navy for stealth and security operations.
2nd Generation
2002-2003 SENTINEL
A 4.5m (15ft) USV built in a cooperative project with Boston Whaler. The unmanned vessel was propelled by a 120 hp Mercury SportJet and served as a test bed for a variety of systems.
3rd Generation
2004-2006 GHOST GUARD
Powered by a single Steyr diesel engine and waterjet drive, this 5.8m (19ft) USV offered greater capacity in terms of fuel-range , electro-optic and radar sensor systems.
4th Generation
2007-2010 INTERCEPTOR AND THE ECLIPSE
Featuring a stealth-like superstructure on top of a 6.4m (21ft) hull, and the smaller 15′ Eclipse incorporated several improvements over its predecessor including greater generating capacity to operate more powerful onboard systems in either remote controlled or fully autonomous modes.
5th Generation
2012-SEA SERPENT
The smallest USV in the program, measuring 3.1m (10.8ft), the Sea Serpent is best suited for harbour and port security and surveillance roles. Its compact size is well suited to be carried onboard large private (super) yachts for individual security purposes.
6th Generation
2013 – BRAVO
An autonomous 11m (36 ft) Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) that can be operated manned or unmanned, with the insertion/extraction role in mind and therefore aimed primarily at special operations applications.
7th Generation
2013 – OSCAR
At 9.3m (30.6 ft) in length, is the largest Murphy-designed USV to date, has a hybrid propulsion system for silent running capable of remaining on station for longer periods of time without refueling and is capable of fulfilling a wide variety of security, surveillance and potentially intervention applications.
8th Generation
HYDRA
Introduced in 2015, Hydra is a 4-meter RHIB, high speed unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for surveillance and security missions in near coastal areas and can be carried by a larger craft.