DARPA and US Navy Achieve Milestone in Autonomous Naval Refueling.

According to information published by the US DoD on December 19, 2024, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has completed a groundbreaking automated fueling-at-sea (FAS) test under its No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program. This achievement marks a critical step forward in enabling unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to operate autonomously over extended durations without requiring human presence aboard the receiving vessel.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

DARPA's NOMARS program achieves a milestone with the first successful automated fueling-at-sea test. (Picture source: US DoD)

The NOMARS program is developing USVs that can function independently, eliminating the need for crew accommodations or safety provisions onboard. This recent test was conducted with support from the U.S. Navy’s PMS-406 (Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office) and USV Squadron 1 (USVRON-1) using two experimental USVs: Ranger and Mariner.

Fueling USVs at sea poses unique challenges, as current methods require personnel to handle lines and hoses. These constraints complicate USV design and expose crew members to risks when transferring personnel during adverse sea conditions. The NOMARS program addresses these challenges by implementing a refueling approach that keeps humans aboard the refueling vessel while automating operations on the USV.

For the recent demonstration, Ranger carried a prototype receiving station designed for the NOMARS USV Defiant, while Mariner was outfitted with a specialized refueling mini-station developed by the program’s prime contractor, Serco Inc. Though personnel were present on both vessels for safety oversight, the system operated autonomously on the receiving side throughout the test.

The trial validated all aspects of the fueling concept, including the handoff of the lead-line, the connection of the refueling probe to the USV, and the subsequent simulated fuel transfer using water. Conducted entirely on the water, this test demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of the NOMARS FAS system in a real-world scenario.

DARPA highlighted the critical support and resources provided by PMS-406 and USVRON-1 as instrumental to the test’s success. This collaboration ensures the FAS system aligns closely with the operational requirements of the U.S. Navy and the Military Sealift Command (MSC).

The next phase of the program will test the FAS system on the NOMARS USV Defiant during its sea trials, scheduled to begin in spring 2025. Defiant, a 180-foot, 240-metric-ton autonomous vessel, is designed for long-term, human-free operation. These trials will further validate the system’s performance during extended, multi-month deployments.