US robotics firm to supply USV to Royal Malaysian Navy

The craft selected for the trials will be capable of surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions and is also air- and land-transportable.

The USV will boast an aluminium hull, a length of 6.1 metres, a beam of 1.82 metres, a maximum draught of only 0.61 metre, a gyrostabiliser, and a petrol engine driving a waterjet. A fuel capacity of over 750 litres would ensure a maximum operating range of between 800 and 1,000 nautical miles or an endurance of five days.

Sensor options will include a radar, an AIS, a GPS, and an infrared camera. The craft may also be fitted with 7.62mm machine gun.