Protector USV
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Protector unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was developed by the RAFAEL Armament Development Authority in response to emerging terrorist threats against maritime assets such as the USS Cole bombing, and is the only operational combat USV that exists today.[1]
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[edit] Features
Based on a 9 metre (30-foot) rigid-hulled inflatable boat, the Protector is stealthy, fast and highly maneuverable. The vessel's low profile upper structure is sealed and aerodynamic, and its modular platform design allows it to be reconfigured to meet changing mission requirements, such as force protection, anti-terror, surveillance and reconnaissance, mine and electronic warfare.[2] The hull is a deep V-shaped planning hull, with the inflatable section providing stability and endurance.[3] A single diesel engine drives water jets that propel the boat to speeds of 40 knots.[4]
The Protector offers enhanced surveillance, identification and interception capabilities. It is equipped with a Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system, a TOPLITE electro-optic surveillance and targeting system with day and night targeting capabilities through the use of forward looking infrared, charge-coupled devices and laser range-finders, as well as a public address system.[5]
The Protector is remotely controlled and can operated with general guidance from a commander and operator located ashore or from a manned vessel.[6] This allows it to provide the first line of defense, checking out vessels of interest at arm's length while personnel and capital assets are held at a safe distance.
[edit] Service
The Protector was deployed by the Republic of Singapore Navy together with its Endurance class landing platform dock ships to the North Persian Gulf for peacekeeping operations in 2005, where it performed surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as force protection duties for more than eight hours at a go.[7]
In 2006, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Rafael demonstrated the Protector's force protection capabilities to the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and other maritime security agencies at the United States Special Operations Command trade show in Tampa Bay, Florida, as part of the littoral combat ship and Integrated Deepwater System Program programs.[8]
[edit] General specifications
- Length: 9 m (30 ft)
- Engine: Diesel
- Propulsion: Water jet
- Speed: 40 knots (74 km/h)
- Navigation: Radar, GPS and INS
- Sensors: TOPLITE electro-optic surveillance and targeting system (incorporating FLIR, Digital CCD surveillance camera and laser range-finders)
- Armament: Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system
[edit] Users
[edit] References
- ^ Protector. Defence Updates. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
- ^ The Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle. Gizmag. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
- ^ Protector. Israeli Weapons. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
- ^ A New Generation. Navy League of the United States. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
- ^ Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle. Rafael. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
- ^ Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle. Discovery Channel. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
- ^ The Next Wave. MINDEF. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
- ^ Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle. BAE Systems. Retrieved on 2007-04-21.
