UNCV

UNCV Overview

The UNCV (Unmanned Naval Combat Vehicle) is Edison Aerospace's autonomous dual-mode naval vessel. It is a fast surface craft and a slow underwater submersible in a single platform. On the surface, the UNCV transits at high speed for patrol, interdiction, surveillance, and cargo delivery. Below the waterline, it submerges for slow-speed operations -- mine detection, underwater reconnaissance, stealth approach, and anti-submarine warfare. The UNCV does not fly; it operates exclusively in the maritime domain, on and below the water surface. Electric propulsion gives it decisive advantages in both modes: near-silent operation for underwater stealth and low logistics footprint for sustained surface patrol.

Edison Aerospace UNCV – Unmanned Naval Combat Vehicle at high speed on the water surface

Maritime Capabilities

Surface Operations -- High Speed

On the surface, the UNCV operates as a fast autonomous vessel, providing persistent presence in coastal and open-water environments without risking crew. High-speed surface transit enables rapid response, wide-area coverage, and quick repositioning between mission areas.

High-speed coastal patrol and surveillance
Port security and harbor defense
Surface interdiction and inspection at speed
Rapid cargo and supply delivery
Force protection for naval assets

Subsurface Operations -- Slow & Stealthy

Below the waterline, the UNCV submerges and operates at slow speed -- by design, not limitation. Underwater stealth demands low velocity to minimize acoustic signature and avoid detection by sonar arrays. This slow-speed subsurface mode enables the UNCV to penetrate contested waters undetected.

Slow-speed underwater mine detection and neutralization
Anti-submarine warfare support
Covert underwater reconnaissance and seabed mapping
Stealth approach to hostile shorelines and vessels
Subsurface threat identification

Surface Mode — High Speed

Subsurface Mode — Slow & Stealthy

Intelligence & Surveillance

The UNCV serves as a persistent maritime sensor node, providing continuous domain awareness without the endurance limitations of crewed vessels.

Persistent maritime domain awareness
Real-time sensor data relay to command
Autonomous patrol patterns and route planning
Environmental and hydrographic data collection

Force Multiplication

Multiple UNCVs operate as a coordinated force, multiplying combat effectiveness and integrating seamlessly with Edison's aerial defense platforms.

Swarm coordination with multiple UNCVs
Integration with Heavy 1 Defense aerial platform
Integration with SeaWatch ground-effect aircraft
Networked maritime defense architecture

Key Advantages

Electric propulsion and autonomous systems give the UNCV decisive tactical advantages over conventional crewed and unmanned naval platforms.

Near-Silent Operation

Electric propulsion produces minimal acoustic signature, making the UNCV extremely difficult to detect with sonar and hydrophone arrays.

Autonomous Navigation

AI-driven mission planning and execution enables fully autonomous maritime operations without human intervention.

Zero Crew Risk

No personnel aboard means the UNCV can operate in contested and hazardous waters -- minefields, hostile coastlines, and submarine zones -- without risking lives.

Reduced Logistics Footprint

Electric power eliminates fuel supply chains. The UNCV recharges from shore infrastructure or support vessels, simplifying forward deployment.

Swarm-Capable

Multiple UNCVs coordinate as a distributed maritime force, enabling wide-area coverage and coordinated engagement patterns.

Multi-Domain Integration

Designed to operate alongside Edison's aerial platforms -- the Heavy 1 Defense at conventional altitude and the SeaWatch in low-altitude ground effect -- for comprehensive multi-domain unmanned operations.

Integration with Edison Defense Ecosystem

The UNCV is designed to operate as part of Edison's integrated defense platform alongside the Heavy 1 Defense (conventional-altitude aerial munitions and cargo delivery) and the SeaWatch (a ground-effect aircraft that flies just above the water surface and can climb to 500 feet). Each platform covers a distinct domain: the UNCV handles surface and subsurface water operations, the SeaWatch provides low-altitude flight in ground effect, and the Heavy 1 Defense operates at conventional flight altitude. Together they create a comprehensive multi-domain unmanned force from a single integrated command architecture.