IAI Corporation Unveils Katana Unmanned Boat
In the framework of the “Katana” project, Israeli engineers have created a light multi-purpose boat with remote control. According to the authors of the project, the promising craft will be able to perform various tasks related to patrolling the water areas, searching for and even destroying targets. The project of an unmanned boat was named in honor of the Japanese sword. According to a press release from the IAI Corporation, this name was chosen to show the speed, reliability and lethality of the new boat.
Prospective Katana unmanned boat has a length of about 12 meters and a maximum width of no more than 2,8 m. According to reports, the power plant includes two engines, thanks to which it is capable of speeds up to 60 nodes. In addition, the use of two engines can significantly increase the survivability of the unmanned vehicle in a real battle, because if one of the engines is damaged or lost, the boat will be able to maintain mobility.
Of greatest interest are the electronic systems that are equipped with a new multi-purpose boat. It is alleged that he carries a satellite navigation system, remote control equipment, as well as a whole range of various means of observation. The operator of the complex, depending on the conditions and tactical need, will be able to monitor the surrounding environment of the boat with the help of several cameras and thermal imagers. The signal from the cameras in real time is transmitted to the control panel. If necessary, the operator of the complex can climb aboard the boat and control it with the help of traditional controls, for which Katana is proposed to equip with a small crew cabin.
Following the trends of recent years, the authors of the project IAI Katana built a new unmanned boat on a modular system. Depending on the tasks to be assigned and the wishes of the customer, the boat under construction can receive one or another variant of the complex of electronic equipment, which includes the required equipment. Similarly, it is planned to equip the boat weapons.
Unfortunately, the authors of the project are not in a hurry to disclose the detailed characteristics of the Katana complex, although they told about some of its capabilities. The new remote-controlled boat will be able to patrol the waters near the coast and at a small distance from it, for example, in the exclusive economic zone of the state. Thus, the main task of a promising unmanned system can be the protection of various objects: ports, naval bases, oil platforms, underwater pipelines, etc. military and civil structures. At the request of the customer the Katana boat will be able to get the necessary type of weapons. Thanks to this, an easy multipurpose boat can not only find potentially dangerous objects and targets, but also attack them. What kind of weapons will be installed on new boats, has not yet been clarified. Probably, an unmanned boat can be equipped with remote-controlled combat modules with a machine gun, automatic cannon or anti-tank missiles.
It is known that the project IAI Katana involves the use of various electronic equipment designed to exchange information and control commands. For example, the complex "Katana" can use satellite communication systems. When using such control channels, the operator can be far away from the boat. According to representatives of the corporation IAI, when the boat performs its tasks in the Pacific, its operator can comfortably sit in Israel.
The Katana unmanned boat is currently undergoing tests and has not yet been adopted by the Israeli naval forces. However, it is the Israeli navy that is considered the starting customer for new multi-purpose remote-controlled craft. A few years ago, the Israeli Navy began operating a similar system, the Rafael Protector, which, as is clear from the available information, has lower characteristics than the Katana boat. Thus, the new unmanned boat should be of interest to the Israeli Navy.
The IAI Katana project is also of interest to foreign customers. The naval forces of many countries need light patrol boats and the Katana can be a profitable offer for them. At a higher cost compared to “classic” boats, a remote-controlled boat is simpler and cheaper to operate, and is also capable of performing some tasks not available to them.
Testing of the unmanned IAI Katana unmanned boat is currently ongoing. The timing of their end is still unknown. For this reason, at the moment, most of the characteristics of the new Israeli design remain unknown. Apparently, potential customers will be able to familiarize themselves with detailed information about the project only after the end of the test. In the meantime, potential buyers and the general public will have to be content with the official press release, a small demonstration video and other promotional materials.
On the materials of the sites:
http://iai.co.il/
http://defense-aerospace.com/
http://defense-update.com/
http://ynetnews.com/
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