Computer-generated imagery of the UOPV being developed by TecnoVeritas. (TecnoVeritas)
Portuguese engineering firm TecnoVeritas is finalising the production of a multipurpose long-endurance unmanned surface vehicle (USV) prototype. Testing of Unmanned Oceanic Patrol Vessel (UOPV) is expected to begin in early 2022 with the Portuguese Navy.
The USV is designated the UOPV and features a fibreglass hull supplied by local shipbuilder Nautiber-Estaleiros Navais do Guadiana and is expected to displace 10 tonnes. The hull is equipped with solar panels, a mast, and a superstructure. It measures 8 m long, 2 m wide, with a 1.1 m draught.
The UOPV can carry a two-tonne payload with a total volume of approximately 2.5 m3. It can be equipped with a high-definition electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) system; an ultraviolet camera; an automatic identification system (AIS); a 3D doppler sonar; VHF, 3G and 4G communications; a satellite communications (satcom) terminal; GPS; two navigation computers; a low-power radar; a radar with automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA) capability; an auto-pilot system; a gyro-compass; a weather station; and a wind speed sensor.
Other optional equipment can include a rear-mounted launch and recovery system (LARS) for a rotary-wing reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); a tethered balloon fitted with an EO/IR payload; a flare launcher; a searchlight with 1,000 m range; a guided missile weapon system for surface-to-air missiles, a remote weapon station (RWS) armed with a 7.62 mm M134D machine gun; a multiple rocket launcher; and a life raft.
The USV can also deploy an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) using a bespoke LARS being developed by INOVA+.
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