Magpie surveys British ports and coastal waters to confirm that channels remain safe for ships as large as aircraft carriers, while also locating mines and archaeological features. The 18-metre catamaran displaces 37 tons, can make 23 knots, and operates with a crew of 12. Her shallow draft and small catamaran hull let her work where an ocean-going survey ship would be inefficient or unable to enter. Her speed and Atlas Elektronik lineage connect the present survey fleet to optionally crewed and autonomous workboats. Future uncrewed craft may grow toward Magpie's scale, usually operating from larger host ships rather than replacing every support function themselves.
Chapter · 3:08:25-3:16:06
HMS Magpie surveys ports and points toward uncrewed vessels
The small catamaran checks channels for major warships while demonstrating technology relevant to larger uncrewed craft.