Aero India 2023: Tardid Technologies develops USV for Indian Navy

Bangalore-based Tardid Technologies will deliver three units of its new USV, Brainbox SSO (pictured), to the Indian Navy. (Tardid Technologies)

Bangalore-based Tardid Technologies will be delivering three units of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) – developed in partnership with Pune-based Accurate Industrial Controls – to the Indian Navy.

The three units of the USV are currently under production, CEO of Tardid Technologies, Niladri Dutta, told Janes at the Aero India 2023 show being held in Bangalore from 13 to 17 February.

The company expects to deliver the first USV unit to the Indian Navy in August, Dutta said.

The USV, named Brainbox Smart Ship Operations (SSO), has a length of about 8 m, an endurance of more than 12 hours, and can travel at a speed of 12 n mile/h, Aastha Verma, chief operating officer (COO) of Tardid Technologies, told Janes .

Brainbox SSO has a payload capacity of 200 kg, and can operate in relatively rough weather conditions, Verma said.

Although Brainbox SSO can be equipped with weapons, the units being given to the Indian Navy are solely for surveillance, and will not be carrying any weapons, Verma told Janes .

With 360° visibility, Brainbox SSO can not only be deployed in high seas but can also be used to conduct coastal surveillance, Verma said.

The USV can also berth itself by independently gauging the sea depth and reducing speed as it approaches the dock, Verma added.

Tardid Technologies intends to develop capabilities for the USV to identify and analyse behaviour patterns of hostile naval vessels detected in territorial waters.