Symmetrix Shapes Cutting-Edge Autonomous Vessel
Leidos, a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, recently announced that it has completed delivery of a cutting-edge autonomous vessel to the U.S. Navy, known as Seahawk. With the announcement of the new vessel, Symmetrix is proud to announce our contribution to this Office of Naval Research (ONR) project.
Seahawk Participating in U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe)
Seahawk is a long-range, high-availability autonomous surface vessel with a composite trimaran hull. This medium-displacement unmanned surface vessel (MDUSV) will enhance capabilities for naval operations. Symmetrix was contracted by Leidos to shape the master patterns for the main hull and deck along with the amas (outboard hulls) totaling 442 square meters of composite tooling.
Deck Plug in 5-Axis Milling Center
In addition to being a very large format project, the scope of work and the strict adherence to accuracy put our metrology skills on full display. Symmetrix also provided added reassurance to Leidos by sending a team to assemble the molds on-site and verify that the geometries performed as per the design specification. Additionally, the Leidos team infused the entire hull in one pull, which meant they had to have absolute confidence in the vacuum integrity of the mold assembly.
Main Hull Mold Assembly
John Barnitt, President of Symmetrix, concluded, “It is gratifying to participate in projects like this, but even more so to see these big composite structures come to fruition. We’d like to thank the great team at Leidos for their confidence in selecting Symmetrix to shape these large format, accurate geometries, and to deliver them on-time and on-budget.”
Seahawk and Sea Hunter medium displacement unmanned surface vessels launch during UxS IBP 21 (US Navy Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Gooley)
