SINGAPORE, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Phase 1 development of a new independent, unmanned surface vessel (IUSV) has been completed by Zycraft Pte. Ltd. of Singapore.
The Vigilant-class vessel, the LongRunner, is 51 feet long and is made with Arovex, a carbon nanotube infused carbon fiber material.
"The Vigilant IUSV is a technological revolution and could be the nexus for widespread USV employment," said Zycraft President James Soon. "The IUSV will be very effective in above-water maritime surveillance for coastal security, search and rescue, and maritime logistics for countries with large EEZ (exclusive economic zones).
"It employs radar, ESM, and Electro-optic sensors in addition to Automated Identification System to provide very good situational awareness to a shore base. The IUSV is also capable of collision avoidance and can certainly take care of itself," he said.
"Several of these IUSVs can effectively cover hundreds of miles of coastline for border protection."
In Phase 1 development, the craft completed more than 24 months of in-water testing and participated in several naval fleet battle experiments, and conducted continuous unmanned operations of more than 48 hours while being remotely controlled from Zycraft's headquarters ashore using satellite communications.
