One interpretation of naval naming links the revival of historical terms to periods of technological transition. Once a technology is established, literal descriptions such as torpedo boat destroyer become more attractive. Sloop is the preferred prediction for large uncrewed vessels, drawing on the Royal Navy's repeated interest in the term and Black Swan-related concepts. The forecast also doubts that the US Navy would readily adopt sloop and expects NATO agreement to influence Western terminology. Brig and ketch are other historical possibilities. Acronyms such as XLUSV for extra large uncrewed surface vessel and XLUUV for extra large uncrewed underwater vessel identify the type precisely, but their awkwardness helps explain the appeal of a short inherited name.
Chapter · 1:06:51-1:09:44
Will uncrewed warships revive the sloop name?
The naming forecast favours sloop for large uncrewed vessels, while acknowledging US preferences, NATO agreement, and alternatives such as brig or ketch.