The term unmanned surface vehicle (USV) refers to any vehicle that operates on the surface of the water without a crew. USVs have been tested since
World War II but have been largely overshadowed. This is due to the fact the USVs, such as the OWL Mk II surveillance drone, have been classified as
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Recent successes of UAVs in the
Afghan War may pave the way for a new wave of USVs.
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