Naval system · USV
Bluebottle USV
Persistent Maritime Surveillance
Also known as: Bluebottle / Ocius Bluebottle / Australian solar USV
Bluebottle USV overview
The Bluebottle is an autonomous unmanned surface vessel developed by the Australian company Ocius Technology. The approximately 6.8-meter vessel is powered by a combination of solar panels, wind power (using a rigid sail), and wave energy, giving it virtually unlimited endurance for persistent ocean surveillance. The Bluebottle can operate for months at sea without refueling, making it ideal for long-duration maritime surveillance, submarine detection, and environmental monitoring.
The Bluebottle has been tested by the Royal Australian Navy for anti-submarine warfare applications, deploying towed sonar arrays to detect submarines over vast ocean areas. The vessel's renewable energy approach eliminates the need for fuel resupply, dramatically reducing operating costs compared to conventional patrol vessels. As of 2025, Ocius Technology has delivered Bluebottle systems for military evaluation and commercial oceanographic applications. Its significance lies in demonstrating that renewable energy-powered autonomous vessels can provide persistent maritime surveillance at a fraction of the cost of manned ships or fuel-powered drones, a capability particularly relevant for Australia's vast maritime territory in the Indo-Pacific.
Armament
None (surveillance only)
Development and operational timeline
- Ocius launches Bluebottle prototype for sea trials
- Bluebottle completes extended autonomous ocean mission
- Royal Australian Navy evaluates Bluebottle for ASW role
- Bluebottle demonstrates multi-month autonomous ocean patrol
- Ocius delivers Bluebottle systems for expanded Navy testing