A concept image of MTG Dolphin's new USV on display at Euronaval 2024. (MTG Dolphin)
Bulgarian shipyard MTG Dolphin has unveiled a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition, held in Paris from 4 to 7 November.
Speaking to Janes at the exhibition, Commander (Res) Vladislav Karadenchev, the head of commercial department, shipbuilding at MTG Dolphin, said that MTG is “currently developing it [the USV] for the Bulgarian Navy”. He said the USV has a state-of-the-art hull shape, and can accommodate a 500 kg load, with plans for it to make use of equipment that the Bulgarian Navy has in its stocks, such as depth charges.
The concept image of the planned USV at Euronaval 2024 shows a low-profile angular hull and transom stern, with control systems likely to be mounted aft of the ship. The USV, as displayed, would have a length of 6 m, a beam of 1.6 m, a draught of 0.4 m, total weight of 1,000 kg, and be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 40 kt.
Cdr Karadenchev said the USV is to be capable of conducting patrol tasks in the first instance, with the armament to include depth charges and a small, lightweight torpedo in future. A prototype of the USV is currently under development, Cdr Karadenchev said, “The project was initiated this year, and we hope that, if everything is fine, by the end of next year we can have the first prototype already developed.”
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