Australia unveiled the first Ghost Shark drone prototype - it has a range of 580 km and can operate for 10 days

Anduril has unveiled the first prototype unmanned submarine as part of its Ghost Shark programs for the Royal Australian Navy. The name was chosen as a tribute to the Ghost Bat drone, which was developed by Boeing Australia for the country's Royal Air Force.

Here's What We Know

The Ghost Shark project aims to create durable, modular underwater drones that can carry a variety of payloads and perform a variety of missions. Anduril Australia received $140 million over three years to implement the program. It is being helped by the Defense Science and Technology Group along with the Royal Australian Navy, for which these drones are actually being developed.

The first prototype is called the Dive-LD. It weighs 2.8 tons, is 5.8 meters long, and has a diameter of 1.2 meters. The unmanned submarine is capable of speeds of 13 km/h and can perform operations at a depth of 6 km for 10 days. The maximum range is 580 km.

The prototype was printed on a 3D printer and is used by the Australian division of Anduril for tests and experiments, during which specialists collect the data needed to create the final versions of the submarines. The apparatus could be used for reconnaissance. But it is possible that when such unmanned submarines will be used not only for military purposes, but also for commercial purposes.

Rear Admiral Peter Quinn, who attended the Ghost Shark presentation ceremony, made it clear that Anduril Australia will create a larger version of the drone in the future. It will be the size of a school bus and will be able to carry warheads.

Source: Breaking Defense, Defense Post