US Navy conducts evaluations of new MANTAS T-38 USV Unmanned Surface Vessel in Arabian Gulf.

According to pictures published by the United States Department of Defense on December 4, 2021, the United States Navy has conducted evaluations of new MANTAS T-38 unmanned surface vessel in the Arabian Gulf, on December 4, 2021.
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A MANTAS T-38 unmanned surface vessel operates alongside patrol coastal ship USS Squall (PC 7) in the Arabian Gulf, December 4, 2021. (Picture source U.S. Navy)

The evaluation tests of the new MANTAS T-38 unmanned surface vessel were conducted by the U.S. 5th Fleet, responsible for naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean since 1995.

The T-38 is a USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) developed by the American Company Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC). In July 2020, MARTAC has announced the launching of MANTAS Medium Category Vessels, consisting of the MANTAS T24 (24 ft or 7m), T38 (38 ft or 11m), and T50 (50 ft or 15m) variants. This class of USVs is designed for larger scale operations and capabilities to integrate Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

MARTAC has tested the first MANTAS T38 in San Diego during Trident Warrior Exercises from July 6 -7 and at Port Hueneme at Coast Trident from July 20 – 22.

The T-38 USV can travel at a cruise speed of 25 knots (46 km/h) with a burst speed of 80 knots (148 km/h), weighs 2,950 kg, and draws just 18 inches (46 cm) of draft. The T38 has the ability to carry a payload up to 2,050 kg. Given the speed and carrying capacity of the T38-sized USV, it is readily apparent how it can fulfill logistics functions in amphibious operations.