The French Brittany-based design office SEAir unveiled during Euronaval a new range of USV mainly based on its existing design the TRANSFLYTOR.
The concept get its origin from Ministries of Defense’s feedback gathered from various countries, asking if the TRANSFYLTOR existed in autonomous variant, according to SEAir project director. From this need, SEAir launched ARROW, standing for Autonomous Rapid Recognition Operation Warship. Smaller than the manned version, the ARROW is 12m-long vessel that natively integrates the fundamental requirements for long-range projection, with a capability to reach a top speed of 45 knots. Despite being an USV, it would still offer a modular payload capability, to cover a wide range of missions, similarly to its manned sister. It could be used for SAR, ISR, naval special warfare, maritime homeland Defence missions or the engagement of a naval task force in a hostile area for instance.
ARROW project is funded by the European Defence Funds and describes the latter as follow: “ARROW will be able to fly-above-the-sea, increasing sailing stability and autonomy in rough sea conditions. The autonomous systems managing both boat navigation and operations, combined with a hydrofoil system, will represent a significant advantage for European navies particularly for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and special operations missions.”
The project construction shall start early 2025 in partnership with five other European companies from Belgium, Spain, Germany and Norway. SEAir on their side will remain in charge of the boat architecture and of the foil design and manufacturing. Two years will be needed for the design and construction of the prototype, allowing the qualifications at sea to happen in 2027.
Following the trend among shipbuilders and within navies, SEAir also decided to launch its own USV design range by adapting the ARROW design for other applications. Thus, SEAir introduced the SEAir Combat Platforms (SCP 200, SCP120 and the SCP 90) all equipped with retractable foils.
Ranging between 9 and 20m-long, the SCPs are distinguished by the contribution of hydrofoils in terms of range, speed, energy efficiency and stability at sea. They can be configurated with different payloads including weapons. Indeed, SCP 200, the longest version was shown in ASW configuration with torpedo tubes, and remote weapon system. As for the SCP 120, it is equipped with remotely controlled ammunition and also a remote-controlled main gun.
In addition to these designs, SEAir introduced a smaller USV version, but based this time on a RHIB like what SEAir already manufactured with the Flying Tender 80 but with no seat meant to host commandos, just a main gun also remote-controlled at the front. This one could be deployed from a ship’s mission bay like a frigate or other. The design is not yet over, thus the picture above is not representative of what could be the final solution.
With this range of design of SEAirCombat Platforms, SEAir wishes to put ahead its capability to offer unmanned foiled platforms with very customized payloads. The first one to be manufactured and tested at sea will be the SCP120 or ARROW, which Navies will be able to experiment in 2027.
