Taiwan's "Endeavor Manta": A New Unmanned Warrior for the Taiwan Strait

CSBC Corp., Taiwan, launches its domestically produced unmanned surface vehicle, designed to navigate the treacherous waters and defend Taiwan's shores.

Kaohsiung, March 25 – In a significant advancement for its defense capabilities, a Kaohsiung-based shipbuilder has unveiled its first domestically produced military-use unmanned surface vehicle (USV), engineered specifically for the challenging environment of the Taiwan Strait.

Huang Cheng-hung (黃正弘), the chair of CSBC Corp., Taiwan, announced that the company initiated the development of this military-grade USV in early 2024. This initiative underscores Taiwan's commitment to bolstering its defense infrastructure with cutting-edge technology.

Christened "Endeavor Manta," the USV is a trimaran drone ship measuring 8.6 meters in length and 3.7 meters in width, constructed from fiber-reinforced plastic. This design offers enhanced stability and maneuverability.

Boasting impressive specifications, the "Endeavor Manta" can achieve a maximum speed of 35 nautical miles and can carry a payload exceeding 1 metric ton. Its sophisticated communication system incorporates multiple modes, including 4G, radio frequency, and satellite connectivity, ensuring reliable operation in varied conditions.

Furthermore, the USV is equipped with advanced features such as artificial intelligence targeting, anti-hijacking systems, and a group-control autonomous navigation system that incorporates collision avoidance technology, as stated by Huang. This comprehensive suite of capabilities enhances its operational effectiveness.

The "Endeavor Manta" is designed to be a formidable asset, capable of carrying explosives on its bow and light torpedoes on its flanks, Huang explained. This armament configuration equips the USV for a range of potential missions.

The trimaran design of the USV is critical. It offers enhanced sailing performance and increases its seakeeping characteristics, which improves its survivability in the harsh conditions of the Taiwan Strait. The Strait, known for its challenging conditions, is influenced by the Kuroshio or "Black Current," which makes operating USVs very challenging.

CSBC Corp., Taiwan, has already demonstrated the drone ship's capabilities through a series of tests.