BAE, ASV trial RIB USV demonstrator

[Zarvan]

BAE and ASV began trials of the USV retrofit package in October 2015 using a Pacific 950 rigid inflatable boat. Source: BAE Systems
Key Points

• BAE Systems and ASV partner to design and demonstrate modified Pacific-type RIBs for ISR, force protection operations
• Following completion of demonstrations, the next development stage is sensor suite and combat management system integration

BAE Systems has partnered with autonomous maritime vehicles specialist ASV to design and demonstrate a modification package enabling standard Pacific-type rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) to be adapted for unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and force protection operations.

The two companies plan to demonstrate the technology at the 'Unmanned Warrior 16' maritime autonomous systems exercise scheduled for October 2016.

Initial testing with a technology demonstrator craft was completed in Portsmouth on 15 October, coinciding with the signing of a formal teaming agreement between the two companies. BAE Systems and ASV will now work to integrate a radar-based collision avoidance and sensor fit, and to achieve integration of the unmanned RIB capability into a shipborne combat management system (CMS).

Developed by BAE Systems under private-venture funding, the autonomy package has been conceived to allow standard Pacific 24 RIBs - widely deployed on board UK Royal Navy (RN) ships - to be retrofitted for unmanned surface vehicle (USV) operations. The modified craft would be able to operate for up to 12 hours at a time, on either a pre-planned route or via remote control, at ranges of over 20 n miles from a parent ship or shore base.

ASV has worked closely with BAE Systems since April 2015 to integrate the command-and-control system and associated algorithms required to support autonomous operations. The autonomy core is based on ASV's existing ASView product; communications links currently comprise a mix of VHF and L-band (1-2 GHz) IP radios.

The USV technology demonstrator taken to sea is based on a Pacific 950 RIB. This craft was chosen as it is slightly larger than the Pacific 24, thus simplifying integration.

Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact




To read the full article, Client Login
(331 of 508 words)

BAE, ASV trial RIB USV demonstrator - IHS Jane's 360