Media

28.06.2016

Elbit Systems’ Seagull Successfully Completes Torpedo Launch Trials

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.

Seagull torpedocredit Galina Kantor
Torpedo Launch Trials ( Click to Download )

 

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.

 

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