BAE Systems' Autonomous Pacific 24 RIB awards Lloyd's Register Unmanned Marine Systems Certification.

According to a PR published by BAE Systems on February 15, 2023, Autonomous Pacific 24 (AP24) Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) has been awarded Lloyd’s Register Unmanned Marine Systems Certification. It is the first uncrewed military vessel to achieve this certification, which verifies stringent safety and operational performance standards.
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Autonomous Pacific 24 Rigid Inflatable Boat. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

The AP24 RIB was developed by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy under funding from the NavyX autonomy and lethality accelerator program, which aims to deliver new technology at pace. It is a step-change for the Royal Navy in uncrewed operations, adding capability and flexibility to naval military missions.

BAE Systems has drawn on decades of experience integrating combat systems on Royal Navy vessels in developing a fully certified AP24, fully compatible with Royal Navy systems.

The uncrewed AP24 RIB has potential to undertake missions such as force protection and anti-piracy, persistent intelligence gathering, and maritime security to meet the evolving threats of modern warfare and keep sailors safe.

It is designed to be part of a modern, multi-domain force and can share sensor data easily and securely with allies and enhance the Royal Navy's operational effectiveness at sea whilst reducing threats to its sailors.

About the AP24 RIB

The Autonomous Pacific 24 is equipped with a variety of sensors and equipment, including a multi-beam echo sounder, synthetic aperture sonar, high-resolution cameras, and robust communication systems.

With a length of 7.8 meters and a beam of 2.6 meters, the RIB is designed to operate in challenging environments, with draught amidships of 0.55 meters. She is capable of achieving speeds of up to 38 knots.