Autonomous small unmanned surface vehicle VENOM debuts in US

July 17, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

US developer of AI-powered solutions for defense applications Scientific Systems has unveiled a new vehicle for expeditionary naval over-the-horizon missions (VENOM), a small unmanned surface vehicle (sUSV.)

VENOM is a multi-mission, 9-meter-long unmanned surface vehicle, featuring a rugged High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) hull and a 300HP outboard diesel engine. The sUSV delivers over 35 knots of sprint speed, a greater than 500-nautical-mile range at 24 knots in moderate sea state, and a loiter capability of 130 hours, according to the company.

VENOM has demonstrated the ability to autonomously transit through contested water space, avoiding static and moving obstacles, loiter in an assigned operating area while monitoring for maritime surface threats. It is designed to conduct missions including force protection (kinetic and non-kinetic), persistent ISR, contested logistics, and maritime patrols and security.

Scientific Systems joined forces with Tideman Marine and Sea Machines to deliver this software-centric unmanned surface vehicle.

“Scientific Systems was honored to work with partners to successfully test and qualify our production-ready, low-cost, autonomous VENOM interceptor that can travel hundreds of miles though contested water space,” said Scientific Systems Chief Executive Officer Kunal Mehra.

“The fact that Scientific Systems is leading a team of partners for this vehicle underscores the reality that the future of warfare is software driven. We are proud to continue to develop the type of cutting-edge autonomous solutions the U.S Navy needs to confront a new generation of threats at sea.”