Intelligent Towfish for High Speed MCM

Elbit Systems has recently concluded a series of trials of its SEAGULL unmanned surface vessel (USV) operating the KATFISH synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) system manufactured by Canadian company Kraken Robotic Systems. These tests follow on from a successful series of mine countermeasures (MCM) tests and exercises conducted by the SEAGULL over the past two years, including trials and exercises in participation with several navies.

Actively controlled, KATFISH is an intelligent towfish platform specifically designed for high-speed hunting of naval mines and underwater improvised explosive devices (IED). The system produces ultra-high definition seabed imagery and mapping for a variety of military and commercial applications and is capable of transmitting sonar data in real time. Integrated onboard the SEAGULL, it provides a high-performance sensor, contributing to an end-to-end, unmanned mine hunting capability.

KATFISH is deployed and recovered by the same launch and recovery system (LARS) that the SEAGULL operates for its side scan sonar, which can be installed on customer demand. KATFISH is an addition to a long list of sensors and effectors that have already been successfully integrated in the SEAGULL, further enhancing its modularity and utility.

The USV offers endurance of four days, mission sea-keeping in up to sea state five and is capable of executing SAS search missions, stand-alone or as part of an MCM toolbox. SEAGULL is operational with the Israeli Navy and is fully compliant with the COLREGs International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.