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Elbit Systems has successfully completed a series of sea tests for the Seagull multi-mission, unmanned surface vessel (USV) and the Kraken Robotics KATFISH synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) mine hunting system.
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These tests are an addition to a successful series of mine countermeasures (MCM) tests and exercises conducted by the Seagull over the past two years, including trials and exercises in participation with Western and other navies.
Actively controlled, KATFISH is an intelligent towfish platform that was specifically designed for high-speed hunting of naval mines and underwater improvised explosive devices.
The KATFISH system produces ultra-high definition seabed imagery and mapping for a variety of military and commercial applications and is capable of transmitting the sonar data in real time. Integrated onboard the Seagull, it provides a high performance sensor contributing to an end-to-end, unmanned, mine hunting capability.
The KATFISH system is comprised of an actively controlled smart towfish, SAS imaging, bathymetry and gap-filler sonars, launch and recovery system, operator console, and visualisation software.
The towfish may be deployed from either manned or unmanned surface vessels (USV). The entire system is designed to be quickly installed and removed from vessels of opportunity.
KATFISH is deployed and recovered by the same launching and recovering system (LARS) that the Seagull operates for its side scan sonar (SSS), which can be installed upon customer demand. KATFISH is an addition to a long list of sensors and effectors that have already been successfully integrated in the Seagull further enhancing its modularity.
The KATFISH system acquires over 3 billion pixels per three square kilometres per hour of area coverage rate. This rate totals 30 times more detail than conventional SSS. Advanced algorithms perform thousands of adjustments per second to ensure every pixel displays data with incredible clarity.
Seagull offers endurance of four days and mission sea-keeping of up to sea state five and is capable of executing SAS search missions, stand-alone or as part of an MCM toolbox. Seagull is operational with the Israeli Navy and is fully compliant with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Kraken Robotics is a marine technology company engaged in the design and sale of advanced sonar and optical sensors for underwater vehicles used in military and commercial applications.
Elbit Systems is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defence, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world.
