The USV Suppressor is a type of unmanned surface vehicle under construction for the Brazilian Navy. Defined as a "Multi-purpose Unmanned Surface Vehicle" by EMGEPRON, the USV is intended for both civilian and military applications, ranging from hydrographic surveys and environmental monitoring to mine countermeasures, ISR and ASW roles.[2]
.jpg) Suppressor X prototype
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | EMGEPRON, Tidewise |
| Operators |  Brazilian Navy |
| Building | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Unmanned surface vehicle |
| Displacement | |
| Length | |
| Beam | |
| Propulsion | |
| Speed | |
| Complement | None |
| Sensors and processing systems | Navigation radar, 3D LIDAR, PTZ camera and hull multibeam sonar[1][2] |
| Armament | Kamikaze AUV/ROV/UAV (optional)[2] |
Characteristics
editThe USV features a navigation radar and a variety of sensors such as 360° LIDAR, FLIR cameras and a hull-mounted multibeam sonar. Additionally, Suppressor features an adaptable rear deck which can carry a ROV, AUV or UAV payload based on current mission configuration.[2][3] The vessel may be either remotely operated or autonomously follow a pre-programmed route.[1] The USV's control station is packed in a 20-foot container, allowing for operation from vessels such as Tamandaré-class frigates.[4]
Development
editThe project was developed in a partnership between state-owned enterprise EMGEPRON and Tidewise, a Rio de Janeiro-based startup focused on autonomous maritime systems.[5] It was first presented in October 2023 during the MINEX-23 Brazilian Navy exercise off the coast of Salvador, where a prototype was tasked with mine countermeasures duties.[3][5] On 7 February 2024, EMGEPRON and Tidewise signed a contract for the construction of the first Suppressor USV, with an estimated cost of R$20 million. The unit would be built in its basic configuration, featuring navigation sensors, multibeam sonar and a ROV, as well as the development of an Application Programming Interface for communications. Delivery of the first unit is expected towards the end of 2025.[6]
Gallery
edit-
Suppressor X prototype during the MINEX-23 exercise. -
.jpg)
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "USV SUPPRESSOR Multi-purpose Unmanned Surface Vehicle" (PDF). EMGEPRON.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "USV SUPPRESSOR". EMGEPRON.
- ^ a b João Paulo Moralez (6 November 2023). "A vez dos veículos não tripulados para a Marinha do Brasil" (in Portuguese). Tecnologia & Defesa.
- ^ "USV Suppressor". Tidewise.
- ^ a b "Emgepron apresenta embarcação autônoma durante a Operação MINEX-2023" (in Portuguese). Poder Naval. 24 October 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "Emgepron e TideWise acordam termos para construção do USV Suppressor" (in Portuguese). Poder Naval. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.