Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG), the US subsidiary of Fincantieri, has been selected to construct Spectre, a new class of multi-mission uncrewed surface vessel (USV) developed by Saildrone.
Construction is set to begin shortly in Wisconsin at the Fincantieri system of shipyards, with initial sea trials for the first vessel scheduled for early 2027.
Fincantieri CEO and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero said: “Spectre represents another step towards Fincantieri’s transformation from a traditional shipbuilder into a system-level industrial integrator for future naval forces.”
Spectre is a 52-metre (m), aluminium-hulled USV designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and other naval roles. It is Saildrone’s largest, fastest, and most capable platform to date.
The vessel, similar to Saildrone’s Voyager and Surveyor models, uses wind, solar, and diesel power for propulsion. It features twin shaftlines with both electric and diesel engines, allowing it to operate quietly on electric power at speeds up to 12 knots.
When required, two Caterpillar diesel engines deliver a combined 5,000 horsepower, enabling the vessel to reach speeds of up to 27 knots while carrying a 25,000kg payload and full fuel.
At a cruising speed of 25 knots with the same payload, Spectre is capable of travelling 3,280 nautical miles in flat water and 2,790 nautical miles in Sea State 4 head sea conditions.
In addition to hull construction, the USV incorporates advanced composite wing components manufactured by American Magic Services, as well as mission-specific payloads compatible with systems from Lockheed Martin and Thales/AAC.
Saildrone has tested Spectre’s design and performance at Force Technologies’ tow tank in Copenhagen, Denmark, validating operational metrics such as endurance, speed, and seakeeping abilities under various conditions.
The design is also approved in principle (AIP) by ABS, complying with the High Speed Naval Craft class certification.
Saildrone founder and CEO Richard Jenkins said: “Spectre is the result of 25 years of continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. A unique design evolved through the hard lessons of operational experience in the real world.
“Spectre is not a craft hurriedly readied to meet a particular RFP but diligently evolved over multiple years to meet the operational requirements of our customers and fill critical capability gaps in the ASW domain.”
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