US defense firm BlackSea Technologies has announced the creation of the Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC), a purpose-built family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) aimed at fulfilling the US Navy’s growing demand for modular, multi-mission warships. Unlike existing platforms derived from commercial designs, the MASC has been engineered specifically for combat and mission adaptability.
One of its most notable features is its payload capacity of over 67,000 pounds (28,122 kilograms), which doubles that of similar USVs currently in service. This expanded loadout capacity makes it possible to equip the craft with a broader spectrum of mission modules, enhancing flexibility for naval commanders across a variety of operations.
The vessel is also designed with 900 square feet (84 square meters) of deck space and a robust 198-kilowatt power system, ensuring that advanced weapons, sensors, and communication suites can be seamlessly integrated. BlackSea noted that these features not only expand the platform’s combat potential but also future-proof it for next-generation technologies.
