Compact Missile Launcher Sized for USV (and Cutters)

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Baltimore-based BlackSea Technologies publicly unveiled its Comet unmanned surface vessel at the Sea-Air-Space exposition

Defense Blog reports, “Baltimore-based BlackSea Technologies publicly unveiled its Comet unmanned surface vessel at the Sea-Air-Space exposition, displaying the platform armed with missiles for both air defense and surface strike missions.”

What got my attention was the sensor and weapons fit.

(Photo by BlackSea Technologies)

This is all on a 43 foot boat. The radars look to be the same as those fitted to PATFORSWA Webber class WPCs. The weapons on the mount look to be two Hellfire or JAGM and two Air-to-Air missile adapted for Surface-to-Air. We know using an Air-to-Air missile in a Surface-to-Air mode can work because the Ukrainians took down an SU-30, a supersonic fighter plane, using AIM-9 Sidewinders from a 26 foot unmanned surface vessel. Hellfire and JAGM also have a demonstrated low altitude capability against UAS and aircraft. The AIM-9X Block II is officially certified for surface-attack missions. It has demonstrated the ability to strike moving surface targets, such as small boats.

3 thoughts on “Compact Missile Launcher Sized for USV (and Cutters)”

  1. The RPS-42 four round-faced AESA radar antenna array is scalable, and it has larger more capable units. THIS is the heart of an Aegis Combat Management System on a small size.

    DRS RADA Family of Radar:

    • Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHR)
      • RPS-42: A versatile platform capable of detecting and tracking aerial targets like drones and aircraft, often used for SHORAD and perimeter surveillance.
      • exMHR: An “Enhanced & Extended” variant providing longer range and improved fire-control accuracy for counter-rocket and mortar missions.
      • ieMHR: Optimized for detecting very small, low, and slow threats in complex environments.
      • nMHR: The “Next-Gen” platform featuring advanced digital beamforming and direct RF sampling for improved situational awareness.
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  2. The RPS-42 AESA Radar isn’t Millimeter Wavelength capable, so the Hellfire missiles shown in the picture aren’t AGM-114L Longbow missiles! So what “is” the active guidance system for the missiles on the drone guard boat…

    Reply ↓

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