Elbit Systems’ Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV)

The Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) is a 12-meter long USV that can be operated from a mother ship or from shore stations, manufactured by Elbit Systems to meet the maritime warfare requirements of the naval forces worldwide. It provides multi-mission capabilities including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Mine Hunting & Mine Sweeping (MCM), Electronic Warfare (EW), maritime security, and underwater communication missions, leveraging a high level of autonomy. This USV facilitates end-to-end mine hunting operations, encompassing detection, classification, location, identification, and neutralization of bottom mines, moored and drifting sea mines, all while keeping sailors out of harm’s way.

The Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability provided by this vessel significantly contributes to the navy with a substantial tactical advantage by effectively detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines using an available asset with considerably lower risk.

Featuring switchable, modular mission payload suites, Seagull can perform ASW and MCM, electronic warfare (EW), maritime security (MS), hydrography and other missions using the same vessels, mission control system, and data links. Geared up to perform extensive search missions across vast water volumes, the Seagull USV can launch expendable mine disposal vehicles to clear mines from critical sea lanes and high-value assets from potential threats.

The maximum payload capacity of the vessel is 2,500 kg. The autonomous navigation system (ANS) aboard the vessel ensures obstacle avoidance and international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. Elbit Systems developed the KATFISH (Kraken ActivE Tow FISH) towed sonar system for the Seagull USV in February 2016. The KATFISH provides real-time ultra-high-resolution seabed imagery and maps for a range of maritime applications.

The Seagull USV is armed with a remote-controlled weapon station equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun. The onboard launching system enables the firing of torpedoes against hostile submarines and ensures the protection of naval assets, critical sea areas, and high-value assets from threats posed by submarines. The USV also incorporates a non-lethal weapon system.

The propulsion system integrates two diesel engines, two propellers, and a pair of thrusters. The USV has a maximum speed of 60 km/h and can autonomously operate at sea for more than four days.

Drawing on decades of Elbit Systems’ unmanned systems experience and leadership, Seagull offers navies a true force multiplier. Seagull delivers enhanced performance to naval operations, reducing risk to human life and dramatically cutting procurement, operating and lifecycle costs.

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