Unmanned Systems Technology 006 | ECA Inspector Mk2 USV | Antenna systems | Northwest UAV NW-44 | Unmanned ground vehicles | Navigation systems | Lunar X challenge

enables fusion of radar and IR outputs for more reliable target discrimination and tracking. It is also fitted with the Triton Harbour suite of sonar database and change detection software tools. A searchlight turret mounted on the bow keel arm provides long- range detection and identification in coordination with other sensors, and can also serve as a non-lethal weapon with significant dazzling capability. Warnings from an LRAD loudspeaker mounted on the cabin roof are claimed to be intelligible at ranges of up to 1700 m, and at shorter ranges – and like the searchlight – it can serve as a non-lethal weapon thanks to an acoustic stunning effect. The concept of operations is straightforward. Assuming the diver detection sonar is not in its place on the seabed, the Inspector Mk2’s first job once launched is to deploy this sonar in its planned position, maintaining a direct link with the control station in the truck, which has places for two operators. After that, the craft switches to its surface control mission, in which its sensor suite provides target detection at ranges of up to 15 nautical miles (nearly 28 km), equating to a coverage area of more than 2400 sq km. The craft’s radar would probably be the first of its sensors to detect a surface target and would cue the electro-optical turret to take an initial visual look at it. This would give the operator the information needed to make a decision about launching the UAV, which would be waiting on shore near the truck. Working with mother ECA also offers a minesweeping (MCM) mission module for large multi-purpose vessels. Operated from the mother ship, the Inspector Mk2 with Triton MCM suite forms part of an integrated system that can include the 1.98 m-long, 70 kg A9-M man-portable AUV, the K-Ster-1 and Non-lethal weapon options are available but there’s also the option of fitting a lethal weapon – a 12.7 mm machine gun – in a roof- mounted turret