NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Saildrone in Alameda, Calif., has released the design of its new Spectre uncrewed surface vessel (USV). Saildrone says Spectre is optimized for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), where endurance and low acoustic signature are critical.
The vessel leverages Saildrone’s wind-powered wing system for silent propulsion, while also supporting a wingless configuration for kinetic strike missions that require higher sprint speeds and reduced visual profile.
Like Saildrone’s Voyager and Surveyor platforms, Spectre incorporates a hybrid propulsion architecture combining wind, solar, and diesel power. The vessel features twin shaftlines with dual electric and diesel propulsion, enabling low-acoustic electric operation at speeds up to 12 knots. Diesel propulsion, rated at a combined 5,000 horsepower, enables sprint speeds up to 27 knots with full fuel and a 25,000-kilogram payload.
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Speed and distance
At a cruising speed of 25 knots with a 25,000-kilogram payload, Spectre has a range of 3,280 nautical miles in flat water and 2,790 nautical miles in Sea State 4 head seas. Controllable-pitch propellers support efficient performance across the speed envelope while enabling acoustic signature management for operations involving towed systems such as thin-line arrays and variable-depth sonar.
The vessel features a concealed payload deck capable of accommodating containerized payloads, including configurations of two 40-foot containers, up to five 20-foot containers, or mixed arrangements. The design allows for payload deployment via the transom while shielding systems from environmental exposure and visual detection. Maximum payload capacity exceeds 70 tonnes.
"Spectre represents a transformative step forward for naval surface warfare. Its endurance, payload flexibility, and seamless integration with advanced missile and sonar systems will give the U.S. Navy a persistent, low observable USV that can deliver on a spectrum of maritime missions," said Paul Lemmo, vice president and general manager of sensors, effectors, and mission systems at Lockheed Martin.
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Validation
Saildrone says that Spectre’s performance has been validated through physical testing at Force Technology in Copenhagen, Denmark, using a one-seventh-scale model to verify propulsion requirements and seakeeping characteristics up to Sea State 5. The design has also received approval in principle from American Bureau of Shipping under its High Speed Naval Craft classification.
The aluminum-hulled vessel will be built in Wisconsin by Fincantieri Marine Group, with production capacity of up to five vessels per year. Construction is expected to begin shortly, with initial sea trials planned for early 2027.
"Saildrone’s decades of operating unmanned surface vessels, combined with Spectre’s unique features as a multi-mission platform, represent an ideal case on which to apply Fincantieri Marine Group’s proven expertise in the serial production of aluminum vessels," said George Moutafis.
The platform’s 43-meter composite wing will be produced by American Magic Services in Pensacola, Fla., drawing on high-performance composite manufacturing expertise developed in competitive sailing and aerospace applications.
Working with Lockheed Martin, Saildrone has ensured compatibility with a range of payloads, including thin-line towed arrays such as the TB-29 and the Mk 70 Payload Delivery System, as well as the CAPTAS-4 variable-depth sonar system from Thales.
