Taiwan's Endeavor Manta: Unveiling a Cutting-Edge Uncrewed Surface Vehicle

Taiwan Steps Up Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities with New Military-Grade USV

The Endeavor Manta, Taiwan's pioneering military-specification uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), made its debut at Kaohsiung's Singda Harbor. This innovative platform is specifically engineered to operate within the challenging environment of the Taiwan Strait, reinforcing the nation’s asymmetric combat capabilities.

Inspired by Ukraine's strategic use of USVs, which have effectively deterred Russia's Black Sea fleet, CSBC Taiwan (台灣國際造船) established a dedicated USV research and development unit last year, according to CSBC chairman Huang Cheng-hung (黃正弘).

The Endeavor Manta is predominantly Taiwanese-made. Key components sourced externally include the satellite guidance system and outboard motors, acquired from non-Chinese-affiliated supply chains, as stated by Huang.

The Endeavor Manta, Taiwan’s first military-specification uncrewed surface vehicle, maneuvers in Kaohsiung’s Singda Harbor.

The vessel boasts a trimaran hull, providing enhanced stability in rough waters, and incorporates stealth design features. It measures 8.6 meters in length and 3.7 meters in width, with the capacity to carry up to 1 tonne of payload, including lightweight torpedoes and high-powered explosives. Its top speed reaches 35 knots (64.8kph), as detailed by Huang.

The Endeavor Manta ensures operational resilience by switching between 4G networks, radio frequency, or satellite guidance for remote control in case of signal interruption, according to Huang.

For added security, the USV is programmed to automatically return to its home port and incorporates a self-destruct mechanism if captured, Huang added.

The USV is also designed to facilitate coordinated operations with multiple units. It is equipped with advanced features like collision prevention, artificial intelligence-assisted target acquisition, and anti-ship hijacking measures, Huang explained.

The Yushan-class landing platform dock can accommodate approximately 20 USVs, with a single control station capable of managing up to 50 units, Huang noted.

CSBC will focus on the development of the Endeavor Manta, named for the manta ray's camouflage abilities and formidable sting, and will not participate in the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology USV contest involving the project Kuai Chi (快奇).