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First look: Advanced autonomous naval attack vessel

Eureka Naval Craft AIRCAT autonomous naval attack vessel. [Image courtesy of Eureka Naval Craft]

 

 

Want to know what's next-level and next-generation in the world of naval attack vessels? Take a look at the AIRCAT Bengal MC from U.S. defense company Eureka Naval Craft -- a fast and efficient autonomous surface effect ship that can carry a 40-ton payload, including a full suite of sensors and weapons.

Eureka Naval Craft is a new startup based in Delaware. It is working with Australian marine autonomy specialist Greenroom Robotics on the AIRCAT Bengal MC ("Module Carrier"). The scout, surveil, and attack craft's design was unveilled at the Sea Air and Space Exhibition in Maryland in April. Eureka describes the AIRCAT Bengal MC as "the most advanced autonomous naval attack vessel ever designed."

The AIRCAT Bengal MC is a 36-m multi-mission surface effect ship (SES), which means it rides on a cushion of air, similar to a hovercraft, but also has a twin hull, much like a catamaran. The SES design has benefits, including less sideways slip, over a hovercraft.

The vessel is being developed by Eureka and ESNA Naval Architects, with autonomy and AI software supplied by Greenroom. Depending on configuration and mission requirements, the AIRCAT Bengal can also support a live crew of four to seven sailors. It can be equipped with laundry, bathrooms, messing facilities (including a full kitchen), onboard water maker, climate control, and front-facing seating during high-speed transit.

Eureka Naval Craft CEO, Bo Jardine, said the ground-breaking vessel is the first autonomous naval vessel anywhere in the world to be able to carry a 40-ton payload (2 x 40 ISO Footprint modules) with a top speed of more than 50 knots, payload depending, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles.

Cruise speed is 38 knots. The draft is 2.6 ft when running on its cushion of air and 7.8 ft off-cushion. It can land and self-recover from beaches.

Jardine also confirmed the vessel will be offered to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and navies allied to the United States, including AUKUS and NATO countries, as well as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Eureka Naval Craft AIRCAT Bengal MC autonomous naval attack vessel highlights. [Image courtesy of Eureka Naval Craft]

 

 

"We're very excited to reveal the AIRCAT Bengal MC," he said. "This is a high-speed, high-tech ship able to operate crewed and uncrewed. It is further bristling with lethality and can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and anti-ship Naval Strike Missiles (NSM). This 'force projection' capability is very important, as it de-risks the reliance on much bigger, more expensive crewed warships to fire missiles. The reality is the naval market in this weight class needs disrupting. Too many vessels today are outdated, sluggish, and expensive. The AIRCAT Bengal MC offers a very fast alternative ship which is armed to the teeth, can be made autonomous, and has the capability to carry much heavier payloads at speed, increasing lethality."

Jardine said lower building cost is a key advantage of the AIRCAT Bengal MC.

"The vessel stands out by providing a more cost-effective solution compared to current naval corvettes and frigates, thanks to its optimized design and use of modular construction techniques that reduce both manufacturing and repair costs," he explained. "Furthermore, the Bengal MC's superior fuel efficiency and lower operational overhead make it an attractive option for navies looking to maximize their budgets while maintaining advanced capabilities."

Jardine said the Bengal MC vessel, with a primary structure of marine-grade aluminum, is so versatile it can be used as a troop transport vessel, landing support craft, electronic warfare platform, drone mothership, and for mine laying and counter-mine warfare. It is powered by four diesel engines (4 x 1440 kW @ 2250 rpm) that provide in-line propulsion and waterjet power for high maneuverability. There is additional ballistic protection around key areas of the vessel. The deck area is 55 m².

Greenroom Robotics CEO James Keane said AIRCAT Bengal MC will have the most advanced autonomous navigation system in the world and software tooling that will enhance humans through all phases of operations.

"This is a terrific ship, and we're delighted to be working with Bo Jardine and the Eureka team on the software," Keane said. "The AIRCAT Bengal MC will benefit from the proven Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) Software system Greenroom has spent years developing and had validated on a 57-m decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat, Sentinel, known as the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT)."

"PBAT was rapidly executed to become one of the most successful autonomy projects ever undertaken on a naval vessel, where Greenroom collaborated with Trusted Autonomous Systems, Austal Australia, and the Royal Australian Navy," Keane said. "Drawing on this expertise, the AIRCAT Bengal MC will have state-of-the-art, AI-driven advanced situational awareness and swarm-ready fleet enablement systems, allowing naval or coastguard crews to operate with unparalleled precision, safety, and effectiveness in high-threat maritime scenarios."

Keane said Greenroom's software integration will ensure that the AIRCAT Bengal MC remains ahead of evolving maritime threats, offering enhanced capability for missions including surface warfare, drone and missile defense, special operations support, and rapid response scenarios. Specialized software for humans-in-the-loop will enhance the human machine team through all phases of AIRCAT Bengal MC operations.

The autonomous AIRCAT Bengal MC will join Eureka's fleet of AIRCAT vessels including the Bengal, Lynx, Jaguar, and Panther, each tailored to specific missions, ranging from fast attack, reconnaissance, rescue, high-speed troop transport, and unmanned logistics. The modular design of Eureka's naval vessels allows clients to customize the vessels based on their operational needs.

Eureka's vessel fleet is designed for higher speed-to-weight ratio, lower fuel consumption, longer endurance, and lower emissions. The water craft demonstrate improved ride qualities versus other vessels, enabling greater accuracy with weapon systems and less wear and tear on their crews, sensors, weapons, and other sensitive payloads.

Source: Eureka Naval Craft

Published May 2025

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