Blue Ops Adds Volvo Penta Diesel Engine to V7 Maritime Drone
Blue Ops has integrated a Volvo Penta diesel propulsion system into its Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel (USV), expanding propulsion options for the autonomous platform as production ramps up.
The work covered Volvo Penta D4-320 diesel engine and DPI DuoProp.
Red Cat Holdings, Blue Ops’ parent company, said the propulsion package works with the Variant 7’s autonomous navigation, remote operation, mission planning, and payload management systems while preserving the vessel’s modular architecture.
It is also intended to deliver responsive handling, durability, and efficient marine performance while giving operators access to Volvo Penta’s worldwide maintenance and parts network.
“We design our boats to give customers flexibility while maintaining the reliability, maintainability and mission performance required for demanding maritime operations,” Blue Ops president Barry Hinckley said.
Variant 7 Program Continues to Expand
Blue Ops has steadily expanded the Variant 7 program as interest in autonomous maritime systems grows.
Designed and assembled in the US, the USV supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, force protection, harbor and coastal security, and other maritime missions.
In May, Red Cat began full-rate production of its Variant 7.
During the same month, the company integrated Kymeta’s multi-orbit satellite communications technology into the Variant 7, improving resilient connectivity for autonomous maritime operations in contested and communications-denied environments.
