Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has developed an advanced, high-speed unmanned boat designed for maritime, homeland security (HLS) surface warfare applications.
The new Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) is called “Katana” unmanned combat marine system. As a multifunction vessel, Katana is compatible with various systems offered by IAI, and supports the totally integrated security solutions the company offers. The system’s dual operational mode allows for fully autonomous operation controlled via an advanced command and control station, as well as for a manned combat operational mode.
Katana supports a wide range of applications for HLS and the protection of exclusive economic zones (EEZ), including – harbor security, patrol of shallow coastal and territorial waters, surface and electronic warfare and offshore platform protection (plus oil rigs, pipelines, and more).
The unmanned vessel can assume different tasks including providing an early-warning situation picture, classifying, identifying and tracking targets, supporting operations at extended range. The high-speed vessel can also intercept selected targets if required.
Katana ‘s features include autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, advanced control system and more. The vessel is equipped with various payloads (including electro-optical), communication systems, radio (Line of Site, LOS, or NLOS), radar and weapon systems. The systems’ modular design allows high flexibility in configuration, operational planning and adaptation to user requirements. According to IAI, Katana can be integrated on customer furnished platforms or on new boats, as required.
