TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology is set to hold public unmanned surface vehicle trials against its Kuai Chi prototype on June 17 and 18 off the coast of Suao, Yilan.

Sun Chun-ching (孫春青), a project lead at NCSIST’s Systems Development Center, said four USVs developed by private companies, including Thunder Tiger’s Sea Shark 800, Carbon-based Technology’s Carbon Pioneer No. 1, Corum International’s Piranha, and Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co.’s Kuroshio, will participate, according to CNA.

NCSIST will evaluate the technical capabilities of each USV, such as electro-optical imaging and remote-control range. The institute will then provide the military with reference data for optimizing USV specifications to meet future operational requirements.

Twelve companies will take part in an exhibition at Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co.’s 6th plant in Suao. Exhibits will include brochures, posters, videos, models, and other materials. Participants include: Huntington Ingalls Industries, GeoSat, Ocean Aero Inc., and JetSea AI.

NCSIST aims to unify Taiwan’s drone industry efforts by standardizing control specifications and fostering the development of USV technology in defense and civilian sectors, Sun said. 

The institute hopes to complete combat evaluations for its USV prototype by the end of the year and begin mass production next year.