Unmanned RIB to The Rescue
A high-speed rigid inflatable boat (RIB) will be featured in the first unmanned water-borne demonstration to take place at the world’s largest defense and security exhibition, being staged in London this month.
The result of a collaboration between BAE Systems and ASV Global, the Pacific 950 optionally-manned RIB has already made waves at Unmanned Warrior naval exercise which took place off the coasts of Scotland and West Wales just under a year ago.
Now it’s set to play a vital role in a demonstration devised to show how it can be used to support the safe boarding of Royal Marines onto a Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate.
“This technology delivers an extremely robust and fast-moving unmanned boat that is able to perform a number of roles, even when operating at high speed or in choppy water,” said Les Gregory, Product and Training Services Director at BAE Systems.
The latest scenario will be played out in Victoria Dock outside ExCel London, twice a day throughout the DSEI 2017 event from September 12-15.
There to see it will be leaders of the defense and security industry worldwide, who will be looking to source the latest equipment and systems, develop international relationships, and generate new business opportunities.
And for those inside the exhibition, there will be live feeds from the RIB to the BAE Systems, ASV Global and Royal Navy stands.
The P950 RIB, produced in Portsmouth, is capable of operating autonomously or under remote control at speeds of up to 47 knots for up to 12 hours at a time.
It can carry out high speed navigation in congested water spaces as well as a variety of preprogrammed military tactics with less risk to troops on the front line.
On board is an advanced array of sensors, including a radar, 360-degree panoramic heat-seeking camera and a high performance stabilized camera pod.
