PAC24 autonomous naval surface vessel demonstrated at DSEI
NewsSeptember 13, 2019
UNITED KINGDOM. Britain's next-generation autonomous surface vessel, an inflatable combination of drone and boat, had its first public display at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI).
The BAE Systems-built Pacific Rigid 24 Inflatable Boat, or PAC24, built by was tested at London's Docklands on the Thames River, with the frigate HMS Argyll present and integrated in the new vessel's data systems. The system, attached to PAC24 rigid inflatable boat, navigated the river bed, detecting possible threats and feeding information back to warship. Public tests will continue for the rest of the week.
The craft, 25 feet long, is designed to travel surrounding a naval task force, remote-controlled from a ship. It can identify mines and collect intelligence on other nearby ships in the water.
With its integration with warships, its potential applications include anti-piracy operations, border control, intelligence gathering, maritime security, and general protection. The vessel can travel up to 45 mph at patrol speed, or 100 mph in pursuit mode.
