LONDON — An experimental robot speedboat drone was unveiled by the British navy in tests on London’s River Thames on Monday. <br /> <br />The prototype Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) drone can be sailed by a pilot, remote control or be programmed to operate on its own, the Telegraph reported. <br /> <br />The vessel weighs 2 tons, is 34 feet long and 9 1/2 feet wide. It can reach top speeds of more than 50 knots. <br /> <br />The speedboat drone has a collision avoidance system and sensors, which help it to avoid other vessels. <br /> <br />Much of the technology on board the vessel remains top secret. However, sources told the Telegraph the tests could lead to a new generation of robotic vessels designed to track or spy on enemy boats. <br /> <br />British military bosses fearful of legal challenges and public opinion are unsure about arming unmanned speedboats, defense experts told the Telegraph. <br /> <br />The British navy will host a competition called Unmanned Warrior next month in which the MAST speedboats will battle it out with more than 40 other maritime drone systems.
