Kraken Robotics and TKMS ATLAS UK have demonstrated the KATFISH unmanned surface vessel launch and recovery system (USV-LARS) on TKMS ATLAS UK’s ARCIMS USV.
As disclosed, the system was demonstrated off the coast of Portland, UK, on November 18-19 for NATO navies. Attendees witnessed the 11-meter ARCIMS USV autonomously navigate and plan missions with the KATFISH towed system, collecting high-resolution SAS and bathymetric surveys in very shallow water.
According to Kraken, data was live-streamed via satellite communications to the command center on shore, enabling real-time classification of contacts by operators.
The LARS footprint was designed to fit the ARCIMS common deck interface, to enable rapid re-role and seamless integration with the platform. Sea state three conditions were encountered during operations, demonstrating the system’s robustness and readiness for real-world naval environments.
The systems offer a comprehensive autonomous survey package for maritime security missions, including mine countermeasure operations and critical underwater infrastructure inspection.
The partners noted that, together, ARCIMS and KATFISH USV-LARS provide the industry’s first air-deployable, 300-meter depth-rated autonomous towed SAS survey system.
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“With the surge in unmanned systems for defence, naval forces need the best technology available to protect national security,” said Greg Reid , President and CEO of Kraken Robotics.
“With its ability to safely and autonomously launch and recover KATFISH from USVs, our USV-LARS allows small naval platforms to collect KATFISH’s high resolution synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) data, significantly increasing their capabilities and acting as force multipliers.”
Wesley Galliver , Head of Surface Ship Systems Division, TKMS ATLAS UK, commented, “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when innovation and collaboration come together. Integrating ARCIMS with KATFISH and LARS in such a compressed timeframe sets a new benchmark for delivering operational capability to our customers. I am delighted with the results and proud of what the combined teams achieved.”
KATFISH USV-LARS was designed specifically for small vessels, with an all-titanium construction for low magnetic signature and low weight. KATFISH and USV-LARS were rapidly mobilized on the ARCIMS, with integration, testing and the demonstration happening over a period of just two weeks.