US-based Voltaic Defense has demonstrated an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) fitted with air defence armament.
The demonstration saw the integration of a Moog Space and Defense remote weapon station (RWS) with Voltaic's 39-foot (12-metre), aluminium-hulled solar-powered USV.
The RWS can be fitted with surface-to-air missiles, laser-guided 70mm rockets, and a 30mm cannon.
As the USV is fitted with solar panels and a 300kWh battery bank, the concept seeks to assess the viability of the USV as a platform for persistent air defence.
The turret runs from the vessel’s 300kWh battery bank through standard interfaces while the hull holds position. Voltaic Defense said this gives, "a validated, fielded weapon station a platform that can keep it on watch for weeks at a time."
Voltaic Defense said the integration was completed through the USV's open payload architecture: two modular bays, 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) of combined capacity, and 800V-to-12V power with open data and communications standards.
The USV can achieve a maximum speed of 22 knots and a range of over 5,000 nautical miles. A gyrostabiliser ensures safe operation even under Sea State four conditions.