According to a press release published by EDGE Group on November 18, 2021, the advanced technology company for defence and beyond, entered a strategic agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel's major aerospace and aviation manufacturer, to jointly design the first-in-class series of 170 m-USV (modular-unmanned surface vessels) for the entire range of military and commercial applications.
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Signature of the agreement between EDGE Group and Israel Aerospace Industries at Dubai Air Show (Picture source: EDGE)
EDGE is leveraging its entity, ADSB, the regional leader in the design, new build, repair, maintenance, refit and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, to collaborate with the Israeli defence company to develop the state-of-the-art USVs.
While ADSB will design the platform, integrate the control systems and payload, and develop the concept of operations (CONOPS), IAI will develop the autonomous control system and integrate various mission-payloads to the control system units according to the mission requirements.
Comprising advanced sensors, sonars and imaging systems that are integrated into a unified command and control system, the USV can operate either remotely, semi-autonomously or autonomously, requiring no human intervention.
Designed to suit all customers’ requirements, the bespoke vessel will offer unique capabilities in terms of modularity, payload, range, maneuverability, and performance.
Military applications for the USV include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, border and littoral zone patrol, maritime security operations, mine detection and sweeping, submarine detection and anti-submarine warfare, deployment platform for VTOL vehicles and can also be customised for commercial applications such as oceanography, pollution monitoring, oil and gas exploration, transportation of materials and liquids, search and rescue, fire-fighting and first interventions.
Israel Aerospace Industries already produces an Unmanned Surface Vessel System, the KATANA, used for a wide variety of homeland security and naval missions.
The Katana USV measures 11.9m in overall length and 2.81m in width has a platform weight of 6,500 kg. and can carry payloads up to 2,200 kg.
It is powered by two maritime diesel engines, which generate an output power of 560hp each. It can reach a maximum speed of 60kt and a cruising speed of 30 kt. and has an operational range of 350nmi.
