Seagull
Seagull Unmanned Surface Vehicle Launches Torpedo
28 June 16 - Elbit Systems Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) has successfully test-launched a torpedo in trials off of Haifa, Israel.
Photo by Elbit Systems Galina Kantor
In an interview with Israel Defense, Ofer Ben-Dov, Vice President Naval Systems Business Line at Elbit Systems' ISTAR Division, remarked that "the success of this test demonstrates Seagull’s modular mission system capability, enabling a highly effective Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) configuration of high-performance dipping sonar using two single tube torpedoes.”
The Seagull is reportedly the first USV capable of supporting offensive ASW operations.
Seagull Unmanned Surface Vehicle Integrates Klein Minehunting Sonar
16 March 2016 – Klein Marine Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitcham Industries, Inc. recently teamed with Elbit Systems, Ltd. to conduct structured mine countermeasure exercises in the Mediterranean Sea.
Klein’s advanced, state-of-the art, 5900 mine hunting side scan sonar, integrated onboard Elbit’s Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) not only successfully detected and classified all detectable moored and bottom Mine Like Objects (MLO’s) but did so in one-third the allotted time period for each exercise.
During the trials which were conducted in various depth up to 85 m, the 5900 sonar enabled MCM area survey at 8-9 knots with high performance and high area coverage rate. In addition to the controlled trial, the 5900 was operated by Seagull in various survey operations providing high resolution imagery and exhibiting its utility as a sub-sea survey asset as well as an MCM sonar.
The 5900 from Klein Marine systems, Inc., is a high resolution, dynamically focused, multi-beam, side scan sonar designed specifically for small object detection with 100% bottom coverage, while being towed at speeds up to 14 knots. The system employs advanced signal processing techniques, motion compensation and superior acoustic design to provide exceptional constant high-resolution, motion tolerant imagery performance.
Klein Marine Systems Inc. 5900 Side Scan Sonar (Image, Klein)
Remote control software, Swath Bathymetry and a Nadir Gap Filler capability are subsystem options available on the 5900 System. The Seagull USV from Elbit Systems, Inc. is a newly introduced 12-meter Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) designed with replaceable mission modules. Two Seagull vessels are capable of being operated and controlled in concert using a single Mission Control System (MCS), from manned ships or from the shore.
The system provides unmanned end-to-end mine hunting operation taking the sailor out of the mine field. It provides mission planning, and on-line operation in known and unknown areas, including area survey, search, detection, classification, identification, neutralization and verification. It is equipped to search the entire water volume and to launch and operate underwater vehicles to identify and neutralize mines.
Elbit Systems Introduces Seagull: A New Multi-Mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle System for Maritime Warfare Missions
8 February 2016 - Drawing on world class know-how derived from generations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) design, development and operation and its naval capabilities, Elbit Systems’ newest offering in the unmanned platform field is Seagull - an organic, modular, highly autonomous, multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) system.
Seagull is a 12-meter USV with replaceable mission modules, with two vessels capable of being operated and controlled in concert using a single Mission Control System (MCS), from manned ships or from the shore.
The system provides unmanned end-to-end mine hunting operation taking the man out of the mine field. It provides mission planning, and on-line operation in known and unknown areas, including area survey, search, detection, classification, identification, neutralization and verification. It is equipped to search the entire water volume and operate underwater vehicles to identify and neutralize mines.
Seagull changes the dynamics of anti-submarine operations by creating a threat to submarines using a cost-effective and available asset, replacing and augmenting manned assets with minimal threat from submarines. It empowers a surface vessel or naval base commander with off-board, available and rapidly deployable Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities to protect critical sea areas and high-value assets from submarine as well as sea mine threats.
Incorporating Elbit Systems' extensive experience in UAS, Seagull features a robust, highly-autonomous and safe sailing capability as well as modular mission payload suites, selected to match a variety of required missions including EW, surface force protection, hydrographical missions in addition to the core MCM and ASW missions. The sailing suite includes a patented Autonomous Navigation System (ANS), with obstacle avoidance, which considers the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
Network ready and long enduring, Seagull features inherent C4I capabilities for enhanced situation awareness and can remain at sea for over 96 hours. The Seagull multi-mission USV system offers navies a true force-multiplier in reducing risk, cost and manpower requirements in performing missions which have only been performed to date by costly manned assets.
Video depicting Seagull conducting notional Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and Mine-Countermeasures (MCM) operations.