Hyliion Announces USX-1 Defiant USV as the Launch Platform for KARNO™ Core Sea Trials
For the USX-1 Defiant sea trials, Hyliion will deliver a drop-in 800 KW power system consisting of four 200 KW KARNO Cores in a keel cooled configuration. The modular architecture is designed to demonstrate reliable, low-maintenance power generation for an unmanned vessel, where onboard servicing is not available. Trials are aimed at highlighting KARNO technology’s inherent scalability and redundancy, with power units that can be distributed across the ship to support mission reliability.
The USX-1 Defiant was developed under DARPA’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, which challenged the traditional naval architecture model by designing a seaframe (the ship without mission systems) from the ground up with no provision, allowance, or expectation for humans on board. The program is part of a broader effort to modernize the
“USX-1 Defiant represents a fundamental shift in how naval platforms are designed, powered, and operated,” said Thomas Healy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hyliion. “As the Navy moves toward unmanned surface vessels, power systems must be efficient, resilient, and capable of operating without human intervention. Our KARNO technology excels in these parameters, and we view USX-1 Defiant as the first of hopefully many naval platforms to be powered by this technology.”
Hyliion’s KARNO Core is a heat powered linear generator designed for high modularity, efficiency, and low maintenance operation, making it well suited for unmanned maritime platforms. For the
The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the
About Hyliion
Hyliion is committed to creating innovative solutions that enable clean, flexible and affordable electricity production. The Company’s primary focus is to provide modular power plant technology that can operate on various fuel sources to future-proof against an ever-changing energy economy. Headquartered in
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Source: Hyliion Holdings Corp.