UXV Combatant

The UXV Combatant is a concept warship designed by BVT Surface Fleet (now BAE Systems Surface Ships), which was displayed at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEi) in 2007. If built it would be expected to displace approximately 8,000 tonnes and "launch, operate and recover large numbers of small unmanned vehicles for extended periods, the UXV plays the role of mother ship - a permanent base and control centre for the futuristic unmanned land, sea and air vehicles before, during and on completion of their missions". If approved, it would be expected to enter service with the Royal Navy some time after 2020. It shares some common design features with the Type 45 destroyer, which will be beneficial both to the ease of production and cost.