--- title: "The Navy is testing its unmanned Saildrone Explorer for the first time" description: "Drones are often thought of highly advanced machines with cutting edge technology. While this is true of the programming and artificial intelligence used to create and operate unmanned vehicles, they can also be combined with old tech. One example of…" date: "2021-12-13" modified: "2021-12-13" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/the-navy-is-testing-its-unmanned-saildrone-explorer-for-the-first-time/" categories: - "Military News" - "Technology" --- # The Navy is testing its unmanned Saildrone Explorer for the first time ![]() *Photo via Saildrone* Drones are often thought of highly advanced machines with cutting edge technology. While this is true of the programming and artificial intelligence used to create and operate unmanned vehicles, they can also be combined with old tech. One example of this old-meets-new hybrid technology is the Navy's Saildrone Explorer Unmanned Surface Vessel. ![]() **The Saildrone Explorer operates in the Gulf of Aqaba during exercise Digital Horizon (U.S. Navy)** The Explorer is the smallest USV made by Saildrone. Measuring 23 feet long and 16 feet tall, it is reliant on wind power for propulsion. This patented technology enables a mission duration of up to 12 months without the need to return to land for maintenance or refueling. During its deployment, the Explorer would use its suite of solar-powered meteorological and oceanographic sensors to perform autonomous long-range data collection missions. On December 12, 2021, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command commenced exercise Digital Horizon from the Royal Jordanian Naval Base in the Gulf of Aqaba. It is the first operational test of the Saildrone Explorer and is part of an initiative to integrate new unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into U.S. 5th Fleet operations. The U.S. and Jordan also announced that the base would become a joint hub for future Saildrone operations in the Red Sea. ![]() **Saildrone is a big step in expanding the military's unmanned technology suite while reducing its ecological impact (U.S. Army)** "These are exciting times for Task Force 59 as we team with the Royal Jordanian Navy to establish our hub for Red Sea operations in Aqaba and deploy some of our new maritime robotics," said Capt. Michael Brasseur, commander of NAVCENT’s new task force for unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, in a 5th Fleet press release. "Our Saildrones leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance maritime domain awareness, extending the digital horizon with a sustainable, zero-carbon solution." ![]() **Two MANTAS T-12 USVs under TF 59 operate alongside USCGC* Maui *(WPB 1304) during exercise New Horizon in the Arabian Gulf, Oct. 26, 2021 (U.S. Navy)** NAVCENT established Task Force 59 in September 2021. Since then, the task force has tested and evaluated two other USVs: the MANTAS T-12 and T-38. The Middle East region has a unique geography, climate, and strategic importance that make it an ideal location for unmanned technological development. "Ongoing evaluations of new unmanned systems in U.S. 5th Fleet help drive discovery, innovation and fleet integration," the Navy said in the press release. "The U.S. Navy is learning important lessons that will inform future operational employment." ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()