US defense contractor Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has introduced ROMULUS, a new family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that leverage the firm’s Odyssey Autonomous Control System for advanced naval operations. The unveiling highlights HII’s ongoing push to expand autonomous capabilities across maritime platforms.
The flagship of this USV line is the ROMULUS 190, a 190-foot (58-meter) vessel currently being built in partnership with Breaux Brothers, Beier Integrated Systems, and Incat Crowther. The construction combines proven shipbuilding expertise with advanced autonomous technologies, ensuring that the vessel can be produced at scale while meeting modern naval demands.
Designed with a commercial-standard hull suitable for serial production, the ROMULUS 190 is expected to deliver strong performance metrics. It will be capable of reaching speeds above 25 knots (46 kilometers per hour/29 miles per hour), traveling more than 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 kilometers/2,878 miles), and carrying up to four 40-foot ISO containers. These features underline its flexibility for diverse roles, from logistics support to advanced naval missions.
