TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) unveiled the nation’s first military unmanned surface vehicle at Kaohsiung’s Dafa Shipyard on Tuesday.

The vessel, named "Endeavor Manta” is 8.6 meters in length and 3.7 meters wide, CNA reported. It has a payload capacity exceeding one tonne and a top speed of over 64.82 kilometers per hour. It is equipped with multiple remote control communication modes, including 4G, radio frequency, and satellite. 

Additionally, it has advanced features such as swarm control mode and autonomous navigation with collision avoidance. It also has AI target recognition and anti-hijacking functions. The vessel’s hull is made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

CSBC Chair Huang Cheng-hung (黃正弘) said the company began developing military-grade USVs in early 2024, emphasizing two key design aspects: maneuverability and seaworthiness. Maneuverability is crucial for rapid deployment and it must be transportable by various towing vehicles for deployment at beaches or ports, Huang said.

Regarding seaworthiness, Huang pointed out that the Taiwan Strait frequently experiences rough wind and waves. No matter how advanced the onboard equipment is, a vessel with poor wave resistance would capsize immediately in rough waters, he said. 

To address this, the Endeavor Manta is designed with a three-hull structure, significantly enhancing its stability and adaptability to harsh maritime conditions.