US firm unveils 300-horsepower robot boat built to hunt enemy vessels

Scientific Systems, a Massachusetts-based defense technology firm, has unveiled VENOM, a 9-meter, 300-horsepower autonomous surface drone designed for high-speed interdiction, persistent surveillance, and distributed maritime operations. VENOM features a high-density polyethylene hull for durability and low noise, and is powered by an outboard diesel engine enabling speeds over 35 knots, a cruising range exceeding 500 nautical miles at 24 knots, and loitering endurance of 130 hours. These performance metrics surpass US Navy requirements for unmanned interceptors. The drone demonstrated advanced autonomous capabilities during sea trials, including navigation through complex maritime environments, patrolling, and intercepting non-cooperative vessels, supporting missions such as force protection, contested logistics, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR), and maritime interdiction. Built as a software-defined system, VENOM integrates AI-driven autonomy developed in partnership with Tideman Marine and Sea Machines Robotics, emphasizing modularity, scalability, affordability, and rapid deployment. It