FarSounder’s Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) has been integrated into the navigation system onboard the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) recently completed No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) demonstration vessel.
This integration is part of the Defiant development project, a first-of-its-kind unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed to operate autonomously at sea for extended periods without onboard crew.
As part of this innovative program, FarSounder’s Argos FLS was incorporated into the vessel’s navigation suite through Serco, Inc., enhancing situational awareness and supporting the ship’s real-time obstacle avoidance capabilities.
This integration highlights FarSounder’s capabilities for autonomous and unmanned vessels, providing advanced navigation for vessels conducting complex missions in challenging marine environments.
The Defiant—a 180-foot, 240-metric-ton vessel—was completed in early 2025 and is now undergoing in-water and at-sea testing.
Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and Co-Founder of FarSounder, stated, “This program represents a major step forward in the evolution of unmanned maritime systems. We’re honored to contribute our technology to an effort that pushes the boundaries of ship design and operational autonomy.”
