US defence research firm Navatek and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center of the University of Maine (UMaine) have been selected to undertake a project aimed at helping improve the construction of future unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for the US Navy and Marine Corps.
The contract stipulates that both Navatek and UMaine will carry out research into maximising the benefits of 3D printing technology in regards to making naval USVs more survivable and more efficient while also ensuring reduced costs and construction lead-times.
The contract was awarded by the US Department of Defense's (DOD) Office of Naval Research and has an approximate value of US$5 million.