Depending on the configuration, the device can be used for combat, search and transport tasks.
Russia has developed a universal crew-free boat "Vodyanoy". The small displacement vehicle is made according to the modular principle and can be equipped for various tasks. Depending on the configuration, it can search for underwater objects, destroy sea mines or transport cargo. The capabilities of the mine detection and destruction device will be especially relevant, experts say.
Russia has developed a universal crew-free boat "Vodyanoy". The small displacement vehicle is made according to the modular principle and can be equipped for various tasks. Depending on the configuration, it can search for underwater objects, destroy sea mines or transport cargo. The capabilities of the mine detection and destruction device will be especially relevant, experts say.
Modular "Water"
A universal unmanned surface platform of small displacement has been developed at the Baltic Higher Naval School named after F.F. Ushakov, sources in the military department told Izvestia. The device, codenamed Vodyany, was presented at the innovation day of the Ministry of Defense at the school. It is made according to the modular principle and can solve several tasks.
The body of the unmanned platform is assembled from separate compartments with the ability to select the desired configuration. The device can be made in one of two versions: a small displacement, 2.5 m long and capable of carrying 40 kg of payload, and an ultra-small displacement with a length of 1.4 m and a load capacity of 6.5 kg.
The drone can be equipped in different configurations. One of them includes a towed sonar antenna for searching underwater objects. In another version, it is equipped with two remote-controlled uninhabited underwater vehicles to destroy mines. Another configuration is equipped with a transport compartment and can be used to transport payloads.
"In a configuration with a towed sonar antenna, this small device can detect a submarine," military expert Captain 1st rank Vasily Dandykin told Izvestia. — In addition, it can be used to search for mines, which is especially important nowadays: mining is now developing quite seriously, and various technologies are being used to counter mine destruction. And remote-controlled underwater vehicles, which can be equipped with a platform, are used on our minesweepers, and they have shown their effectiveness. The mine war is very advanced now. But this development, like all the others, needs to be tested in practice. For this, there is a military acceptance, a commission, and so on. But now, due to the fact that fighting is taking place, the period between testing and implementation is shortening.
Such boats can be used to create control zones in the Baltic Sea, military expert Dmitry Boltenkov told Izvestia.
— If you deploy a large number of boats with sonar stations, you can get information about underwater objects in the water column: submarines or saboteurs. It is possible to control a significant water area without significant efforts of the ship's personnel. It is also possible to conduct anti-mine operations in a wide water area. The NATO countries are actively developing their mine facilities. A configuration with a transport compartment can deliver cargo to the coast, for example, to our fighters on the enemy's shore. Besides, there are a lot of lighthouses along our coastline. Unmanned boats can be used to supply them. It is cheaper to use ships and helicopters.
Unmanned boats as a weapon system began to develop relatively recently, already during the period of a special military operation. The Ukrainian Armed Forces regularly try to use backups to attack Russian ships and coastal infrastructure. The Russian Navy is developing ways to counter these weapons. The training program for the Russian navy and army aviation has already included standards for the destruction of such backups. At the same time, similar Russian developments are being created.
Which unmanned boats are being developed in Russia
Earlier, Izvestia reported that Russia has created a crew-less small-displacement kamikaze boat Marlin. It exists in two versions — river and sea. Rechnaya carries 1.5 kg of explosives and is designed to destroy enemy watercraft and amphibious assault. The marine can carry 2 kg, its task is to protect ships from unmanned enemy boats. Backup control is carried out in the same way as FPV drones.
In addition, the serial production of a heavy multifunctional returnable marine drone based on the unmanned boat "Vizir" has begun. He can work unaccompanied by an operator — on artificial intelligence and program management. The device can be used for cargo delivery, reconnaissance, and it can also carry guided weapons on board. The back is 7 m long and 2.5 m wide. It can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, and its range is up to 270 miles. A special platform allows you to work in rough conditions, strong winds and keep set goals. "Vizir" is a reusable drone, it returns to its starting point after the time has elapsed or after passing through pre—set points.
Also last year, Russia began production of multifunctional unmanned boats that can carry 20 kg of cargo. They can be used as a kamikaze or a platform for UAVs. Two FPVS or a reconnaissance drone can be placed on the back — they can also be controlled from the shore.
Roman Kretsul
