Unmanned radio-controlled boats capable of up to 50 knots have been unveiled at a defence exhibition in London. Qinetiq says the Sentry boats, which are based on a jetski hull, have an overall length of 3.5m, a beam of 1.25m and a height above the waterline of just 1.1m.

Endurance is six hours, and a simple PC-based remote control operations console allows full control of the boat from up to 16 nautical miles away. Payload options include day/night high resolution cameras, a full lighting rig that meets current maritime navigation standards, a loud-hailer system and a smoke marker launcher.

Suggested roles for the new craft include remote unmanned harbour patrol and security, intruder investigation, and battlefield reconnaissance.