USMC receives first prototype of autonomous SHARC vessel

The Tactical Composites Small High-Speed Amphibious Role-Variant Craft (SHARC) is powered by twin 300 hp OXE diesel outboards. (Tactical Composites)

Rhode Island-based Tactical Composites has delivered the first prototype of its autonomous Small High-Speed Amphibious Role-Variant Craft (SHARC) to the US Marine Corps (USMC), the company announced in August 2026.

SHARC was developed as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programme in response to a USMC requirement for a craft to support the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE) concepts. Total funding under the programme was about USD1.9 million.

SHARC is a catamaran, 37.75 ft (11.5 m) long with a 13.45 ft (4.1 m) beam and 2.41 ft (.75 m) draft; these dimensions enable it to be transported by road “on standard equipment”, the company said.

Powered by twin 300 hp OXE diesel outboards, SHARC can carry up to a 14,000 lb (6.35 tonnes) payload at a cruising speed of 20 kt, with a maximum loaded speed of 25 kts in moderate (Sea State 3) conditions, Tactical Composites said. It has an automated bow ramp to deploy payloads directly onto beaches or into the water when conventional port infrastructure is unavailable. It has a range exceeding 1000 n miles.

SHARC's hull is constructed of vacuum-infused fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP). The deck is reinforced with carbon fibre and includes multiple payload tie-down configurations together with alloy rail protection for tracked cargo.

According to a company statement, possible mission profiles for SHARC include autonomous delivery of supplies to contested shorelines where traditional harbour access may be compromised. Additional envisioned uses include launch and recovery of autonomous underwater vehicles and uncrewed aircraft, casualty evacuation, delivery of uncrewed ground vehicles, and distributed autonomous swarm operations alongside other uncrewed systems.