The ULAQ search-and-rescue unmanned surface vessel displayed at LIMA 2023. (Janes/Nishant Kumar)
Turkish firm Meteksan Defence unveiled a model of the new search-and-rescue (SAR) variant of its ULAQ unmanned surface vessel (USV) at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2023.
Meteksan's international sales director Burak Akbaş told Janes on 23 May that the company is positioning the SAR USV to meet requirements in Southeast Asia. He said the platform has been developed for coastguard SAR operations.
The ULAQ SAR USV has an overall length of 7.5 m, a beam of 2.3 m, and a draft of 0.7 m. It can operate at a speed of more than 25 kt and has a range of more than 150 n mile.
The USV is fitted with electro-optical and infrared cameras, a laser designator, a rangefinder, and satellite communications. Unlike other variants of the ULAQ, the SAR USV has the capability to launch a tethered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The model shown at LIMA 2023 displayed a quadcopter that can be launched for surveillance during SAR missions. The UAV is available in three different configurations based on the length of the tether. It is available with tether lengths of 10 m, 15 m, and 30 m.
Lifeboats fitted on both sides of the USV can also be deployed during SAR missions. The lifeboats can accommodate 25 and 10 people, respectively.
In addition, Meteksan displayed the ULAQ anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant, which was unveiled in December 2022, along with a mobile coastal control station (MCCS). The modular structure of the MCCS allows it to support all ULAQ USV variants.
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