The Vigilant IUSV is a state of the art multi-mission unmanned vessel. Built from advanced nanotechnology enhanced material (please see Technology), the IUSV achieves unparalleled range and payload.

It is the only USV in the world that features the Seakeeper™ system stabilization onboard resulting in exceptional seakeeping that optimizes system performances, especially at loiter speeds. These technologies enable the IUSV to remain effective at sea for long periods of time making it a real force multiplier.

The Vigilant IUSV is designed to operate independently of a mother craft. Its size and enhanced seakeeping qualities enable shore to shore operations. Even in rough seas, one can expect the IUSV to remain operational, lthus allowing naval vessels to focus on their missions instead of worrying about the safety and security of the USV.

Command and control is achieved via satellite communications systems, thus enabling the IUSV to operate anywhere in the world.

The Vigilant IUSV is offered both for sale as well as a service.

Length   16.5m

Beam   3.6 m

Maximum Speed   > 30 knots

Cruise Speed   12 knots

Payload Fuel and Cargo   7,000 kg

Full Load Weight   13,000 kg

Lightship Weight   6,000 kg

Range @ Cruise   1,500nm (Standard Package)

Patrol Endurance   > 30 days

The Vigilant IUSV has several special features.

The IUSV has a large volume that is completely enclosed and which allows payloads to be protected from the weather. It can also be optionally manned so that for most situations, the boat is controlled from the base allowing personnel to focus on more important duties. The IUSV is the only vessel today that carries the Seakeeper stabilisation system that provides good seakeeping under nearly all conditions.

The radar and 360 degrees cameras onboard are essential navigational tools.

Payload Modularity

The Vigilant IUSV™ (Independent Unmanned Surface Vessel) features a large 3m x 3m x 2m modular payload space that will allow for many different types of payloads based on customer’s needs. Up to 3 tons of payload is possible.

Designing around a payload frame enables easy payload interchangeability, ease of maintenance and rapid introduction of new systems. As payloads are enclosed, protection against the harsh environment is assured and this means improved operational reliability and post mission maintenance. Payload modules dealing with Above Water and Underwater Surveillance, Harbor Protection, Search and Rescue, Maritime Logistics, and Oceanographic Research are available. Payloads can be easily customized to requirements using frames.

Long Endurance | 24/7 Surveillance

Maritime Surveillance is a primary mission of the Vigilant IUSV™, whether for commercial or naval surveillance. With its high endurance and good seakeeping, the Vigilant IUSV can effectively cover areas of interest and report sightings to the Base for further evaluation and decision.

The IUSV uses a combination of sensors to achieve maritime surveillance. Sensors are mainly customer specified and can include ship’s AIS, Electro-optic system (EO), radar, ESM, and Tethered Aerostat. This information is sent back to the Base Command via Satcoms.

The Vigilant IUSV is offered both for sale as well as a service.

A Revolution in SAR | Saving Lives with the IUSV

Zycraft is pioneering unmanned SAR operations with the Vigilant IUSV. Unmanned SAR platforms provide all weather long endurance capability and optimises the use of existing SAR sensors.

Properly equipped with special radar and Electro-optic system as well as transponder locators, the IUSV SAR platform is a versatile capability for countries that have long coastlines and huge expanse of oceans to cover. The SAR IUSV can remain at sea for many days to conduct operations and help keep alive the hopes for those waiting to hear about their loved ones.

The Vigilant IUSV™ SAR module allows up to 7 casualties to be held in a special litter with additional seating space for conscious casualties. Patient monitoring is available to provide the health status of casualties to shore rescue authorities to plan their recovery resources.

A special recovery arm enables a shore operator to recover unconscious casualties when no one else can help recover the casualty into the vessel.

A Revolution in Maritime Logisitics

For delivery of small packages to many different locations at sea on a routine basis, Zycraft USV offers the Maritime Logistics version of the IUSV. Each of the packages are kept in easy to handle and waterproof plastic cases.

Naval Afloat Forward Support

The Maritime Logistics IUSV is especially useful for supporting naval task forces at sea that need to have ships cover a wide area but do not have the naval air assets to support transfer of needed spares for critical electronic equipment. The Maritime IUSV is also able to take an available spare from one vessel and rapidly transfer it to a vessel in need, without ships having to leave their stations.

Remote Location Support

For support of outlying populations along a coastal area or a river network, the Maritime Logistics IUSV is most suitable for providing a regular resupply of needed supplies as well as providing delivery of perishable material and information such as newspapers and mail packages.

Unique Unmanned Towed Array Solution

The Vigilant IUSV tows a unique active passive sonar array from one of its technology partners to provide a highly compact unmanned ASW solution. This capability enables the IUSV to replace many larger and very much more expensive naval vessels for detection of diesel electric submarines in littoral waters.

With its long endurance, the ASW IUSV provides a cost effective track and tag capability for navies wanting to deter and deny submarines in a particular area. Information obtained from the IUSV is sent to weapon ready naval forces to prosecute the submarine.

Mobile Anti-Diver Protection Capability

The protection of vital coastal infrastructure and ships at anchor is one of today’s critical task against the threat of underwater sabotage and terrorism.

The HD IUSV platforms provides a cost effective response to threats from the surface and underwater. As a mobile platform, it enables wide area protection far more effectively than static underwater systems can provide.

Working with partners that have proven sonar capabilities, the HD IUSV uses retractable sonars and sensors for underwater search, track and prosecution. Coupled with radar and electro-optics, and using information from other third party sources, the HD IUSV can easily determine false alarms from surface traffic and if necessary, prosecute high speed threats.

An optionally manned area for response forces is also possible inside the HD IUSV.