PROTECTOR
The RSN has acquired a small number of Protector USVs, a commercial
off-the-shelf system. The Protector was fielded to meet an
operational requirement when the RSN deployed in the Arabian Gulf
for Operation Iraqi Freedom recently. The Protector, being remotely
controlled, offers enhanced surveillance, identification and
interception capabilities while reducing risks to personnel in an
operational environment.
Type: Unmanned Surface Vessel
Displacement : 4 tons
Dimensions : L 9.5m, W 3.5m, H 4.5m
Mini Typhoon Stabilised Gun
Toplite electro-optical pod
Water jet propulsion
--SPARTAN SCOUT
The RSN is also participating in a collaboration programme with the
US Navy to develop the Spartan Scout USV and concepts for its
operation. The Spartan Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration
(ACTD) programme started in 2002. The Spartan USV is modular and
can be configured for Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance, Mine Countermeasure, Anti-surface Warfare, and
Anti-Submarine Warfare roles. The RSN will commence testing the
Spartan in local waters this year
Type: Unmanned Surface Vessel
Displacement : 2 tons
Dimensions : L 7.0m, W 3.0m, H 4.5m
Modular; can be configured for Intelligence, Surveillance &
Reconnaissance, Mine Countermeasure or Anti-submarine Warfare
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?prod=57146&session=dae.21850892.1153109308.RLsNPMOa9dUAAA8wGxU&modele=jdc_1
The SAF in general is actively seeking new technology to enable
certain dangerous tasks to be undertaken by unmanned vehicles.
Examples are the many UAVs, Unmanned ground vehicles and surface
vessels (as shown above) but there is little talk about the
development of UUV.
The future in UUV technology may allow our submarines to launch and
retrieve them underwater. This will definitely help during coastal
recon and detection of enemy submarines. So should RSN venture into
the relm of UUV?Comments? 