Protector USV

The Protector unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was developed by the RAFAEL Armament Development Authority in response to emerging terrorist threats against maritime assets such as the USS "Cole" bombing, and is the only operational combat USV that exists today. [cite web | title=Protector | work=Defence Updates | url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/p/protector.htm | accessdate=2007-04-21]

Features

Based on a 9 metre (30-foot) rigid-hulled inflatable boat, the Protector is stealthy, fast and highly maneuverable. The vessel's low profile upper structure is sealed and aerodynamic, and its modular platform design allows it to be reconfigured to meet changing mission requirements, such as force protection, anti-terror, surveillance and reconnaissance, mine and electronic warfare. [cite web | title=The Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle | work=Gizmag | url=http://www.gizmag.com/go/6023/ | accessdate=2007-04-21] The hull is a deep V-shaped planning hull, with the inflatable section providing stability and endurance. [cite web | title=Protector | work=Israeli Weapons | url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/protector/Protector.html | accessdate=2007-04-21] A single diesel engine drives water jets, allowing speeds of 40 knots. [cite web | title=A New Generation | work=Navy League of the United States | url=http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/jul06-26.php | accessdate=2007-04-21]

The Protector offers enhanced surveillance, identification and interception capabilities. It is equipped with a Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system, a TOPLITE electro-optic surveillance and targeting system with day and night targeting capabilities through the use of forward looking infrared, charge-coupled devices and laser rangefinders, as well as a public address system. [cite web | title=Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle | work=Rafael | url=http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/3/633.pdf | accessdate=2007-04-21]

The Protector is remotely controlled and can operated with guidance from a commander and operator located ashore or aboard a manned vessel. [cite web | title=Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle | work=Discovery Channel | url=http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/future-weapons/weapons/zone2/protector-usv.html | accessdate=2007-04-21] This allows it to provide the first line of defense, inspecting vessels of interest while personnel and capital assets are held at a safe distance.

ervice

The Protector was deployed by the Republic of Singapore Navy together with its "Endurance" class landing platform dock ships to the North Persian Gulf for peacekeeping operations in 2005, where it performed surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as force protection duties for more than eight hours at a go. [cite web | title=The Next Wave | work=MINDEF | url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/3g_saf/2005/features/may05_cs.html | accessdate=2007-04-21]

In 2006, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Rafael demonstrated the Protector's force protection capabilities to the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and other maritime security agencies at the United States Special Operations Command trade show in Tampa Bay, Florida, as part of the littoral combat ship and Integrated Deepwater System Program programs. [cite web | title=Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle | work=BAE Systems | url=http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/protector_unmanned_survace_veh.html | accessdate=2007-04-21]

General specifications

*Length: convert|9|m|ft|abbr=on
*Engine: Diesel
*Propulsion: Water jet
*Speed: convert|40|kn|km/h|0
*Navigation: Radar, GPS and INS
*Sensors: TOPLITE electro-optic surveillance and targeting system (incorporating FLIR, Digital CCD surveillance camera and laser rangefinders)
*Armament: Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system

Users

*ISR : Israeli Sea Corps
*SGP : Republic of Singapore Navy

References

External links

* [http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/protector/Protector.html Protector - Unmanned Naval Patrol Vehicle (with video clips)]
*YouTube|flXo4cApt8|Future Weapons: Protector USV