Lockheed Martin unveils drone that rides ships for undersea missions

Lockheed Martin has unveiled the Lamprey Multi-Mission Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (MMAUV), a novel naval drone designed to enhance the US Navy’s undersea capabilities by conserving energy through an innovative deployment method. Unlike traditional drones that rely solely on their own propulsion, Lamprey attaches to the hull of friendly ships or submarines using suction cups or mechanical docks, allowing it to "ride" into mission areas. While attached, it harnesses energy from water flow around the host vessel via small turbines, charging its batteries for extended autonomous operations. This approach addresses key challenges in endurance and power management faced by uncrewed undersea vehicles, enabling Lamprey to travel hundreds or thousands of miles quietly and efficiently. The drone features an open-architecture, payload-agnostic design with a 24-cubic-foot internal bay, allowing it to be customized for various missions. Potential payloads include lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, electronic warfare systems, acoustic decoys, deployable sensors, and even