US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
A new multi-purpose supply ship from Timsah will feature the Saab Seaeye Cougar XTi underwater vehicle as part of its onboard systems package, Saab has announced.
The A1 class 2441 ton ship is rated for towing, fire-fighting and offshore support and includes a helicopter pad and accommodation for 60 crew.
The Cougar XTi will provide a number of capabilities including conducting observation and survey missions. The full Cougar XTi configuration package to be provided by Timsah includes a tether management system (TMS), an ‘A’ frame launch and recovery system and a 16ft long purpose-built safe area control cabin. It will be supplied with three cameras including a high definition CCD monochrome camera, a Kongsberg colour zoom camera and a mini camera for the TMS. Also included is a Tritech Super SeaKing sonar, a five-function heavy-duty manipulator and a bare tool skid.
The system is powered by six SM7 thrusters, uses an intelligent iCON control system and is rated to 3000 metres. With the ability to operate in strong currents and manoeuvre inside and around complex underwater structures, the system can undertake precision and robust tasks to meet operational requirements.
Cougar will be supported by Saab Seaeye distributor, Zone Offshore.
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.