Lockheed Martin’s Lamprey Multi-Mission Autonomous Undersea
Vehicle (MMAUV) is designed to "hitchhike" on ship hulls using
integrated suction or mechanical docking anchors. Designed for, but not limited
to, U.S. Navy use, this parasitic drone requires no modifications to the host
vessel's hull and recharges its batteries via hydro-generators while underway.
Attachment and Operational Capabilities
Mechanism: The
rectangular drone uses suction cups or a mechanical docking mechanism to attach
to the hull of surface ships or submarines.
"Parasitic" Design: Modeled after fish like remoras, it
attaches to friendly vessels to conserve energy and arrive in theater with a
100% charged battery.
Recharging: While
attached, the Lamprey utilizes built-in hydro-generators—small turbines that
convert the water flow from the ship’s motion into electricity—to charge its
batteries.
No Host
Modification: The system is designed to attach to vessels without requiring any
changes to the host ship's structure.
Payload and
Deployment: It features a 24-cubic-foot payload bay that can deploy
anti-submarine torpedoes, electronic warfare systems, or aerial drones. It can
also be deployed to act as a stealthy "ambush" sensor on the
seafloor.
The Lamprey is designed to act as a "Loyal
Wingman" for ships, providing additional sensors and strike capabilities
in contested waters.