Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) continues to promote its Katana advanced, multi-purpose, unmanned surface vessel (USV) at IMDEX 2019.
The KATANA solution provides unmanned capabilities for the entire range of Homeland Security and Naval applications. KATANA also provides manual and fully autonomous operation, along with a modular, flexible design to suit the customer’s requirements
Israel Aerospace Industries Katana USV Unmanned Surface Vessel (Picture source Twitter)
The Katana USV was unveiled in February 2014, during Defexpo defense exhibition in India. A model of the USV was displayed in Florida at AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems show in Florida, United States, and also in 2014 during Euronaval, the International Naval Defense and Maritime Exhibition in Paris, France.
The Katana USV is intended for identification, classification, tracking and interception of ships and boats at long ranges. It can be deployed in search and rescue, intelligence gathering, protection of exclusive economic zones, homeland and harbour security, and surveillance of coastal, as well as shallow and territorial waters, fire-fighting, and public safety and security. It can also be used for surveillance and protection of oil and gas, and other critical assets.
The multifunctional Katana can be operated autonomously controlled via an advanced command and control station or manned during combat operations.
The Katana USV measures 11.9m in overall length and 2.81m in width has a platform weight of 6,500 kg. and can carry payloads up to 2,200 kg. It is powered by two maritime diesel engines, which generate an output power of 560hp each. It can reach a maximum speed of 60kt and a cruising speed of 30 kt. and has an operational range of 350nmi.