The future of naval warfare may seem a lot like a killer whale. Even as military drones often conjure images of aircraft like the MQ-1 Predator, a modern generation of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) is emerging, capable of operating beneath the waves and delivering a surprising amount of firepower. These marine drones, increasingly important in conflicts like the Russo-Ukraine War, are demonstrating the potential to reshape maritime strategy, and a new prototype from the Cardona Marine Group, Inc. (CMG) is turning heads.
Dubbed the Sea-Predator-7 (SP-7), this USV is designed to be a stealthy, adaptable, and heavily armed platform. CMG, a defense tech startup, has spent the last 15 years developing the technology, and the SP-7 is now undergoing sea trials. The drone’s unique design, reminiscent of an orca, belies its potential lethality. Its payload capacity allows for a variety of offensive options, and its components are designed for rapid production, should the Department of Defense choose to adopt the system.
A Shark-Inspired Design for Stealth and Speed
The SP-7 isn’t built like a traditional boat. Its construction utilizes a combination of custom Kevlar, carbon fiber, ceramics, and ballistic fiberglass. A proprietary “ballistic riblet coating” and structural design mimics the skin of a shark, enhancing both stealth and speed while reducing drag and power consumption. This biomimicry is a key element in the drone’s ability to operate undetected and efficiently in contested waters.
Deployment options are also flexible. The SP-7 can be launched from Navy MH-60R Romeo helicopters or MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, allowing for deployment miles from a target vessel, either as a single unit or as part of a coordinated swarm. This capability significantly extends the range and operational flexibility of naval forces.
Packed with a Powerful Payload
The SP-7’s capabilities extend far beyond reconnaissance. It can carry over 800 pounds of explosives for one-way attack missions, and is also equipped to deploy two specialized torpedoes. Beyond that, the drone can be configured with a range of additional armaments, including two CMG Mk 6 stealth riblet coated drone torpedoes, four CMG Mk 4 high-explosive torpedoes, a Mk 19 automatic 40 mm grenade launcher, twin M240B 7.62 mm machine guns, or six 40 mm smoke grenade launchers.
Adding to its versatility, the SP-7 can also carry four mini aerial drones for reconnaissance, providing an over-the-horizon intelligence gathering capability. Perhaps most strikingly, the SP-7 can function as a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), essentially transforming into a ship mine capable of slamming into a target’s hull and detonating.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
The SP-7 measures 13 feet in length with a 5-foot beam and stands 3 feet high. Its weight is approximately 700 pounds before payloads are added. Propulsion is provided by a custom electric CMG flume drive for both surface and subsurface operations, coupled with electric bow planes and pulse thrusters for precise maneuvering. The combination of these features positions the SP-7 as a potentially disruptive force in marine offensive warfare.
The development of the Sea-Predator-7, alongside Lockheed Martin’s Lamprey, signals a growing investment in marine drone technology. As these systems mature and become more widely adopted, they are likely to play an increasingly significant role in naval operations, offering a new layer of capability and challenging traditional approaches to maritime security.
CMG is currently conducting sea trials of the SP-7, and the company is seeking a defense acquisition contract from the Department of Defense. The outcome of these trials and potential contract awards will determine the future of this innovative, and potentially game-changing, marine drone.
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