Saildrone founder Richard Jenkins.
Photo: Saildrone / not individually creditedSource · Source-linked editorial identification
Mobility & Transport

Richard Jenkins

Saildrone uncrewed surface vehicle

United Kingdom · United StatesEvidence: high confidenceChecked July 2026

Third-party image used for identification in nonprofit educational commentary; rights remain with Saildrone: What Is a Saildrone and How Does It Work?.

Who is Richard Jenkins?

Richard Jenkins is an inventor associated with United Kingdom and United States. Their documented work in mobility & transport includes Saildrone uncrewed surface vehicle, the contribution at the center of this evidence-backed profile.

Richard Jenkins adapted a wind-powered land-speed-record machine into Saildrone's autonomous surface vessels. The manufactured boats pair a rigid wing sail with solar power and sensors, enabling long-duration ocean observation and surveillance without a crew or conventional fuel-driven propulsion.

Known forSaildrone uncrewed surface vehicle
FieldMobility & Transport
Associated withUnited Kingdom and United States
Evidence reviewed2 sources
01

What did Richard Jenkins invent?

Adapted his wind-powered land-speed-record design into Saildrone's autonomous, wind-and-solar-powered surface vehicles.

02

What did Richard Jenkins accomplish?

Time reported that dozens of Saildrone vessels were operating at sea for weather, marine-science and maritime-safety work and could remain unattended for up to a year.

03

What is known about Richard Jenkins today?

Saildrone's April 2025 leadership announcement names Jenkins as founder and chief executive at Sea Air Space 2025, positive evidence he was alive and active in 2025.

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