- China’s first domestically developed 200 ton-class unmanned surface vessel,has wrapped up its first autonomous sea trial.
- Zhejiang-based Beikun Intelligent Technology company started the project with research and development in late 2015.
- A group of drone ships can work as vanguards or scouts either for coastal defense or in a flotilla of larger warships with crews at far sea.
China’s first domestically developed 200 ton-class unmanned surface vessel,has wrapped up its first autonomous sea trial. The project was started by Zhejiang-based Beikun Intelligent Technology company in 2015. The sea trial ended in success after three hours of data collection according to an article in Global Times.
China’s stealth drone
China’s first domestically developed 200 ton-class unmanned surface vessel, characterized by its capabilities in stealth and far sea operation, has wrapped up its first autonomous sea trial, with analysts saying that drone ships like this can provide new tactics for naval warfare including distributed operations and swarm combat.
The sea trial took place near Panzhi Island in Zhoushan, East China’s Zhejiang Province on Tuesday and wrapped up in success after three hours of data collection.
About the vessel
The vessel has a displacement of about 200 tons, a length of more than 40 meters and a trimaran design. The unmanned surface vessel has a top speed of more than 20 knots, can carry out tasks under sea state 5, or rough waves, and can sail safely under sea state 6, or very rough waves, CCTV reported.
The technical parameters of the vessel, including its detection range, stealth capability, integrated power system and comprehensive environmental awareness, are world-leading.
Risk of causalities
There’s no risk of casualties with unmanned equipment, so the drone ship can be sent into dangerous combat zones to carry out reconnaissance, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft or anti-ship missions with corresponding equipment, the expert said.
A group of drone ships can work as vanguards or scouts either for coastal defense or in a flotilla of larger warships with crews at far sea.
Enemies will have a hard time taking them out one by one, or they can form a swarm and overwhelm the enemies, the expert explained.
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Source:Global Times
