Elbit Systems reveals Seagull unmanned surface vehicle

HAIFA, Israel, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Elbit Systems has unveiled Seagull, its new highly autonomous, multi-mission unmanned surface vehicle system for maritime warfare.

Seagull, a 12-meter vehicle with replaceable mission modules, can be controlled by operators on a manned ship or from the shore using a single mission control system. The vehicle is designed for anti-submarine warfare and detecting mine threats. It can also be used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Company officials say the new technology can bolster anti-submarine warfare capabilities while cutting costs for customers.

"Until now dealing with submarines was carried out by heavy craft such as missile boats and fighter aircraft and helicopters at operative costs of hundreds of millions of dollars," Elbit systems EVP and general manager ISTAR Division Elad Aharonson told Globes. "The USV lowers costs for these missions by many tens of times. It can seek out enemy submarines, pursue them over large distances and turn them into prey."

Features of the new USV include a safe sailing capability, an electronic warfare suite and surface force protection. Seagull's safe sailing capability comes with a Autonomous Navigation System, which allows the vehicle to avoid obstacles in its path.