Interceptor USV takes bow
Richard Scott
Lifting the veil on the Interceptor Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) at IDEX 2007, AAI Corporation (Stand 3000 in the US Pavilion) and Marine Robotic Vessels International (MRVI) are setting their sights on the emerging market for unmanned maritime security systems in the Middle East region.
Described as a fourth-generation modular, adaptable and affordable unmanned vessel, Interceptor is a 6.5-metre craft specifically designed for security and public service applications such as anti-piracy patrol, harbour security and oil rig surveillance.
Trials started in September 2006 and performance to date has met all expectations. Future testing will harmonise the command and control system with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With unmanned systems now being increasingly used across both the civil and military sectors, MRVI president Robert Murphy believes Interceptor represents a state-of-the-art solution for marine security concerns. “USVs provide a very efficient method of patrolling coastal and offshore waters,” he told the IDEX Show Daily. “Providing effective patrolling 24/7 using a manned operation is expensive in terms of the vessels themselves, crews, infrastructure, maintenance and fuel. An unmanned solution using USVs offers a more effective solution for considerable less capital and running costs.”
According to Murphy, with 60 per cent of the world’s oil moving through the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, the Gulf represents a prime market for new marine surveillance and detection systems. “The Middle East has two very important waterways – the Suez Canal and Straits of Hormuz – both of which require constant patrolling,” he said. “There are also very high-profile waterfront developments that require security solutions, in addition to the ‘normal’ assets requiring protection such as oil platforms, harbours, desalination plants and power stations.”
MRVI is a pioneer in the field of marine robotics and has already developed three generations of USVs. Together with AAI, a subsidiary of United Industrial
Corporation, the company can supply complete security solutions, said Murphy, “not only the USVs and UAVs themselves, but also the manpower to run them and the
infrastructure to operate them”.
 Unmanned systems are now increasingly used across the civil and military sectors |