Elbit Systems has trialled the integration of a mini-UAS (unmanned aerial system) into its Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), in order to enhance the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the platform and equip it for operations beyond Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mines Countermeasure (MCM).
The UAS integrated into the Seagull has a maximum takeoff weight of 15kg and features fully automatic water recovery. Its payload generates a visual feed that can be transmitted to the Seagull’s control station on land as well as to the Combat Management System (CMS) of additional vessels.
The Seagull USV is a specially designed multi-role vessel for underwater warfare, with a flexible payload suite that also includes Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electro-Optic/Infra-Red (EO/IR) capabilities for situational awareness and intelligence gathering. The integration of a tactical UAS onboard the Seagull further expands its capacity to generate intelligence and provide situational awareness for maritime forces and for shore exploration.
Elbit Systems has recently added additional sonar systems to the Seagull USV, integrating a HELRAS sonar in cooperation with the Israeli Navy and concluding a series of trials for the TRAPS-USV towed sonar, significantly enhancing the vessel’s ASW capabilities. The Seagull USV has been deployed in several exercises conducted with NATO maritime forces, including an MCM exercise alongside the HMS Ocean of the UK Royal Navy, and an ASW exercise that was conducted together with the Victoria and the HMS Duncan frigates of the Spanish Navy and the UK Royal Navy.
