Elbit's Seagull completes torpedo launch trials

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 28 (UPI) -- Elbit Systems recently completed a test launch of a lightweight torpedo from its Seagull multi-mission, autonomous unmanned surface vessel, IsraelDefense magazine reported Tuesday.

The trial was undertaken out of Israel's Haifa port, showcasing the vessel's ability to install and launch lightweight torpedoes, the news website reported.

The Seagull is designed to undertake unmanned maritime missions, such as protecting critical sea areas and assets against submarines and sea mines.

The 12-meter Seagull system can be equipped with one or two vessels that can be controlled from a mother ship or from on shore, reducing the risk to naval personnel when performing critical missions.

Seagull features switchable, modular mission payload suites that can undertake mine countermeasure, anti-ship warfare and electronic warfare arrays, as well as maritime security capabilities, Elbit said.