British navy tests robot spy speedboat drone

LONDON — An experimental robot speedboat drone was unveiled by the British navy in tests on London’s River Thames on Monday.

The prototype Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) drone can be sailed by a pilot, remote control or be programmed to operate on its own, the Telegraph reported.

The vessel weighs 2 tons, is 34 feet long and 9 1/2 feet wide. It can reach top speeds of more than 50 knots.

The speedboat drone has a collision avoidance system and sensors, which help it to avoid other vessels.

Much of the technology on board the vessel remains top secret. However, sources told the Telegraph the tests could lead to a new generation of robotic vessels designed to track or spy on enemy boats.

British military bosses fearful of legal challenges and public opinion are unsure about arming unmanned speedboats, defense experts told the Telegraph.

The British navy will host a competition called Unmanned Warrior next month in which the MAST speedboats will battle it out with more than 40 other maritime drone systems.