The Protector USV (unmanned surface vehicle) was developed by the Rafeal. Rafael is a former sub-division of the Israeli Defence ministry and is considered a governmental firm.
It is a response to emerging terrorist threats against maritime assets such as the USS Cole bombing, and it is the only operational combat USV that exists today, well as far as we civilians know!
In essence it is an extremely advanced remote controlled boat, but unlike a rich mans toy it has a gun. If you are interested in a bit of weapons shopping then Rafeal even has a handy PDF that you can print and show your friends at the dinner table.
The Protector offers enhanced surveillance, identification and interception capabilities. It is equipped with a Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system, a TOPLITE electro-optic surveillance and targeting system with day and night targeting capabilities through the use of forward looking infrared, charge-coupled devices and laser rangefinders, as well as a public address system.
The Protector is remotely controlled and can operated with general guidance from a commander and operator located ashore or from a manned vessel. This allows it to provide the first line of defense, checking out vessels of interest at arm’s length while personnel and capital assets are held at a safe distance.
The Protector was deployed by the Republic of Singapore Navy together with its Endurance class landing platform dock ships to the North Persian Gulf for peacekeeping operations in 2005, where it performed surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as force protection duties for a shift in excess of eight hours.
General specifications
- Length: 9 m (30 ft)
- Engine: Diesel
- Propulsion: Water jet
- Speed: 40 knots (74 km/h)
- Navigation: Radar, GPS and INS
- Sensors: TOPLITE electro-optic surveillance and targeting system (incorporating FLIR, Digital CCD surveillance camera and laser rangefinders)
Armament: Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system
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