AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
Kongsberg control system for SEA-KIT USV
Kongsberg's K-MATE control system will be integrated with the SEA-KIT USV as part of a project being run by Hushcraft, the company announced on 21 August.
The new SEA-KIT USV is being built by Hushcraft in the UK, and will be operated by SEA-KIT International. The USV, which is being designed to operate at sea without assistance for months at a time, can carry a deployable and retrievable payload of up to 2.5 tons. The system is being developed with a long-range, long-endurance ocean capability for independent seafloor mapping and similar ocean exploration applications.
The K-MATE control system can be integrated with any vessel through an electrical interface. The system provides adaptive waypoint following for survey and AUV operations while accepting sensor data for scene analysis and collision avoidance. It is designed to follow mission plans to supervise operations or direct operator control for complex tasks.
SEA-KIT will also be equipped with Kongsberg's Maritime Broadband Radio for high bandwidth direct communication to shore, SeaPath 135 with an MRU5+ for heading, attitude and positioning and the AIS300 automatic positioning system. Kongsberg’s HiPAP acoustic positioning and control system will be used to supervise AUV operations.
SEA-KIT's configuration will allow the vessel to carry a Hugin AUV. The USV’s hull is designed to carry different payloads including multibeam echo sounders such as the EM302. The USV will also have extended endurance options, making it suitable for trans-ocean survey operations.
SEA-KIT is due to be launched in September 2017.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
