A new unmanned surface vessel (USV) from Ukrainian firm UFORCE that can serve as a “mothership” allows interceptor drones to be launched directly at sea.
Also known as the MV11, the USV measures 7 meters (23 feet) long and has a payload capacity of up to 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds).
With an endurance of six days, it supports a range of missions including reconnaissance and surveillance, amphibious operations, and delivery of fuel and equipment.
To support sensing and communications, the vessel incorporates a rear-mounted mast, camera turret, navigation radar, and two additional horn-like antennas.
The camera could potentially support target detection and tracking, while providing visual information to improve situational awareness during operations.
The antennas, meanwhile, could be associated with passive sensing, allowing detection of aerial objects through their electronic emissions.
Inside the MV11 Naval Drone
Based on available footage, the MV11 carries up to 18 small vertically launched Sting interceptors, each housed in an individual box-like launcher.
Featuring a maximum takeoff weight with payload of 4 kilograms (9 pounds), the interceptor can reach altitudes of up to 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) and has a maximum flight range of 37 kilometers (23 miles).
It integrates with daytime or thermal imaging cameras in either digital or analog configurations, while its digital video architecture is based on high-voltage technology.
Power comes from an 8S3P battery pack, while dedicated antennas handle video communications.
“Our largest platform to date, MV11 is an ocean-going mothership built to carry, launch and recover other unmanned systems far offshore,” the company stated.
“The MAGURA family has struck more than a dozen Russian vessels and helped drive back Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. MV11 pushes that reach even further out to sea. Ready to Fight Tonight.”
