Update – IDEX 2023: ADSB unveils new USV

ADSB’s 170 M-Detector USV. (ADSB)

Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) has unveiled a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) at IDEX 2023, being held in Abu Dhabi from 20 to 24 February.

Speaking to Janes, Francesco Paolo Lo Monaco, director of shipbuilding and engineering at ADSB, said that the 17 m boat, known as the ‘170 M-Detector USV’, is designed for mine countermeasures (MCM) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, and can operate as both a manned and unmanned platform.

The USV was involved in a live demonstration at NAVDEX 2023.

The vessel is a modular system that can integrate a range of payloads and sensors such as a remote weapon station or an unmanned aircraft system, depending on the user’s needs. A number of systems are installed on the boat as standard and are provided by several different companies, Lo Monaco said.

These include the autonomous capability provided by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and an iXBlue SeapiX-FLS 5 3D multibeam sonar for mine detection and obstacle avoidance. The sonar has a beam coverage of 120° and a detection range of 300 m, Lo Monaco continued.