Ghost Fleet Overlord is a fleet of test unmanned surface vehicles operated by the U.S. Navy. [1]
Ghost Fleet Overlord is being developed by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office. [1] It is a partnership between the Defense Department's Strategic Capabilities Office and the Navy. [2]
As of January 2024, the fleet consisted of three ships delivered and one under construction. The first was USV Ranger, [3] the second was USV Nomad [1] and the third was USV Mariner. [4] The fourth will be USV Vanguard, launched on January 15, 2024 but not yet delivered. [5] [6] Later in 2024, USV Nomad, a converted fast support vessel, was sold by the Navy for $2.11 million and returned to commercial service. [7] [8]
While technically "uncrewed", the ships carry a crew of six human sailors. Most of the ship's functions are automated, but can be carried out manually by the onboard human crew if the need arises. [9]
USV Mariner is outfitted with next-generation command and control systems and a virtualised Aegis Combat System. [10] Its test will help in putting combat systems on Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles. [11]
