Open Architecture, Closed Loop: Inside Industry Partnerships for Autonomous Maritime Systems | The Pair Program Ep104

Open Architecture, Closed Loop: Inside Industry Partnerships for Autonomous Maritime Systems | The Pair Program Ep104

We’re joined by Paul Lwin, Co-Founder and CEO of Havoc, and Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops, a Red Cat company, to explore how software and hardware partnerships are shaping the future of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). From open architecture and autonomy-driven vessel design to real-world testing and manufacturing at scale, the conversation looks at what it takes to move these systems from development to deployment. We also discuss the challenges of scaling hardware alongside software and how industry and government can work together to rebuild American manufacturing capacity and bring autonomous systems to the field.

Here’s what we get into:

• Why autonomy software and proven boatbuilding expertise work better together
• Designing vessels for extreme performance without onboard crews
• What real-world ocean testing reveals that simulations miss
• Coordinating multiple autonomous vessels through intuitive operator interfaces
• Scaling American manufacturing and navigating defense procurement

About Paul Lwin: Paul Lwin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Havoc, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Naval Flight Officer who flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. With degrees in aerospace engineering and computer science, as well as an MBA from Yale, he has led Havoc from pre-seed stage to more than 40 autonomous vessels deployed in 18 months. He previously joined The Pair Program for Episode 67, “Rebuilding the Arsenal.”

About Barry Hinckley: Benjamin “Barry” Hinckley is an entrepreneur and third-generation boatbuilder who serves as President of Blue Ops, a Red Cat company. Appointed to launch Blue Ops in August 2025, he leads the development of its Variant 7 program and open-architecture approach, bringing together his experience in marine manufacturing, technology, and defense innovation.

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