Australian-built 3D-printed USV wraps up initial sea trial

Western Australian manufacturer Hyperion Systems has completed the first sea trial of its 3D-printed unmanned surface vehicle, reaching a top speed of 40 knots during the remotely operated test. Further trials are planned to validate an expected 20-30 knot cruising speed, payload capacity above 200 kg and range of up to 200 km. Hyperion says the 4.6 m hull can be produced by large-format additive manufacturing in about 40 hours, compared with conventional boatbuilding lead times of four to six weeks.