- Odyssey ACS proven with 6,000+ operational hours across 35 USV platforms.
- ROMULUS integrates tech from Shield AI, Applied Intuition, and C3 AI.
- Modular design enables multi-mission roles across surface, subsurface, and air domains.
HII (NYSE: HII), the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. and a frontrunner in autonomous maritime technology, has just introduced ROMULUS, a cutting-edge, modular family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that utilise the Odyssey Autonomous Control System (ACS) software suite, reports HII.
ROMULUS 190 Under Construction
The flagship of this new line, ROMULUS 190, is currently under construction on a commercial-standard hull, designed for quick and efficient production as well as immediate mission readiness. This impressive 190-foot vessel is built for speeds exceeding 25 knots and boasts a minimum range of 2,500 nautical miles, all while being able to carry four 40-foot ISO intermodal containers on its payload deck. This project is a collaborative effort with Breaux Brothers, Beier Integrated Systems, and Incat Crowther.
Meeting Future Naval Requirements
ROMULUS is specifically designed to address the changing demands of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, joint forces, and their allies, providing reliable open-ocean autonomy with enhanced scalability, lethality, and cost-effectiveness.
“The future fight demands speed, agility, and resilience, all embedded in the Odyssey-powered ROMULUS family,” said Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO. “By matching world-class shipbuilding with decades of unmanned systems expertise, we are delivering a mission-ready, swarm USV capability built for the next generation of operations.”
Odyssey: Proven and Open Architecture
The Odyssey ACS software suite has proven its reliability across more than 35 USV platforms, racking up over 6,000 operational hours with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and allied programs. Its flexible and open-access design makes it easy to integrate various sensors, payloads, and third-party technologies, ensuring that ROMULUS keeps pace with the latest naval operational concepts. ROMULUS brings together technologies from Shield AI, Applied Intuition, and C3 AI, enhancing autonomy, object classification, and lifecycle sustainment.
Multi-Mission Flexibility
With its modular and reconfigurable design, ROMULUS is ready to tackle missions across surface, subsurface, and air domains. It can take on roles like counter-unmanned air systems (C-UAS), intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), strike operations, and the launch and recovery of unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Enhanced Capabilities with REMUS UUVs
When paired with HII’s REMUS UUVs, ROMULUS significantly boosts undersea capabilities, fills anti-submarine warfare sensing gaps, and keeps manned assets at a safer distance. REMUS’s solid track record in mine countermeasures speeds up clearance operations and minimises fleet risk. Together, ROMULUS and REMUS offer a scalable solution that spans two domains.
Strengthening HII’s Unmanned Leadership
With backing from Dark Sea Labs Advanced Technology Group, ROMULUS adds to HII’s well-established REMUS UUV product line, which has delivered over 700 units to more than 30 nations, with over 90% still operational after two decades. The combination of ROMULUS and REMUS, powered by Odyssey, enhances operational reach and ensures reliable performance across the maritime landscape.
Key Capabilities of ROMULUS
- Modular, Open Architecture: Built on standards such as UMAA, ROS, and DDS, ensuring compatibility with U.S. Navy autonomy requirements and rapid system integration.
- Multi-Agent Autonomy: Odyssey enables control of single assets or swarms, with secure data handling for real-time analytics and post-mission review.
- Intelligent Operations: Features autonomous health monitoring, sensor fusion, and COLREGS-compliant navigation for reliable mission performance.
- Fleet Integration: Designed to integrate with future fleet Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), including aircraft carrier strike groups and surface action groups.
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Source: HII
