The success of the first torpedo launch test is a major milestone, confirming the Unmanned Surface Vessel’s capability to incorporate weapons that counter submarines, in addition to its unique submarine and mine detection capabilities.
Elbit Systems completed recently a trial test torpedo launch from its Seagull
multi-mission, autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) system. The
trial, performed out of Israel's Haifa port, demonstrated the capability of
Seagull to install and launch light weight torpedoes, adding to the advanced
capabilities of the USV, which is designed to carry out unmanned maritime
missions, such as protection of critical sea areas and high-value assets
against submarines and sea mine threats.
“The success of this test demonstrates Seagull’s modular mission system
capability, enabling a highly effective Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
configuration of high performance dipping sonar using two single tube
torpedoes,” said Ofer Ben-Dov, Vice President Naval Systems Business Line
at Elbit Systems' ISTAR Division. “The test highlighted Seagull’s unique
capacity to detect and engage submarines, in addition to its ability to detect
and destroy sea mines – all using the same multi-mission USV system in
modular configurations. This new and important capability has, to date, only
been available to navies through manned vehicles.”
Introduced earlier this year, Seagull is a 12-meter long multi-mission USV
system equipped with one or two vessels that can be operated and controlled
in concert from manned ships or from the shore. Seagull provides multi-
mission capabilities and can be employed for ASW, MCM, EW, maritime
security and other related missions, leveraging modular mission system
installation and offering a high level of autonomy.
In its full configuration the advanced USV system delivers unmanned end-to-
end mine hunting operation capability, taking the man out of the minefield. It
features inherent C4I capabilities for enhanced Situation Awareness (SA) and
has a large fuel capacity that allows it to remain at sea for several days.