Thales UK introduces Halcyon Unmanned Surface Vehicle at DSEI 2013
NewsSeptember 16, 2013
LONDON. Thales UK demonstrated the Halcyon reconfigurable Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) 2013 conference in London, UK. The 11.5m optionally-manned Halcyon is constructed from glass-reinforced plastic and is designed for Mine Countermeasures (MCM).
The USV is outfitted with two 480hp Yanmar 6LY-ETP diesel engines, and has the ability to reach 30 kts. Halcyon is designed to meet a series of user requirements specific to the MCM mission, including a capability to deploy from military platforms, payload flexibility (disposal systems and influence minesweeping gear, towed sonar, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV)), platform stability, and a reduced size and weight that allows air transportation.
The Halcyon was developed in conjunction with unmanned marine specialist ASV, and is a customized variant of ASV’s C-Sweep semi-planing displacement USV design.
Halcyon has recently completed the first round of payload, manned, and unmanned trials. A formal demonstration is planned for late October, and additional payload trials will begin in 2014.
For more information, visit http://www.thalesgroup.com/
