Israeli Autonomous Surface Vessel Showcases Mine Scanning Capabilities

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An autonomous Surface Vessel (USV) is capable of performing a vast range of naval operations, reducing risk to human life and dramatically cutting procurement and operating costs.

Recently, Elbit Systems USV, the Seagull, participated in a joint exercise between the Israeli Navy and the British Royal Navy (“RN”) in Haifa Bay.

During the exercise, the USV performed a Mine Counter Measure (MCM) mission, scanning and charting a secure path for HMS Ocean, the RN helicopter carrier. Once encountering Mine-Like-Objects, the Seagull alerted HMS Ocean to avoid them, thus securing its safe route. The Seagull performed the mission while being remotely operated from a Mission Control Station onshore. Additionally, the Seagull took part in a tactical maneuvering exercise and sailed in a formation with the Navy vessels and British RN’s carrier.

In addition to MCM capabilities, the Seagull features switchable, modular mission payload suites and can perform Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions, Electronic Warfare (EW), Maritime Security (MS), Hydrography and other missions using the same vessel, mission control system and data links. Seagull offers navies a true force multiplier delivering enhanced performance to naval operations.