JARI-USV-A, larger than the JARI-USV prototype with a trimaran hull, was spotted performing its sea trials with an RUAV onboard on Chinese social media.
The new USV dubbed Orca, shown as a multirole platform like its smaller predecessor JARI, was seen cruising for what appears to be sea trials. Additionally, a RUAV on the flight deck can be clearly seen.
JARI-USV-A was previously shown during exhibitions as a platform with new provisions, a displacement of 400+ tonnes and a length of ~60 m. The new provisions include a flight deck to operate RUAVs and possibly UUVs. The USV’s combat load includes AESA radars, 12-cell VLS, four torpedo tubes, and a concealed RCWS. Due to the larger size and the placement of VLS at a higher position, the larger USV might support larger missiles like the HHQ-9 long-range air defence missile and the YJ-18 cruise missile.
While weapon systems’ operation has become a common sight for USVs, the autonomous operation of small unmanned platforms from a large unmanned platform presents complexities beyond control. In addition to a reliable communication with the mother platform, the USV has to be able to sustain the carried unmanned platforms on its own.
The US Navy is another country to work on large-sized USVs capable of carrying combat payloads. A notable example is the MUSV using Mk70 containerised VLS to fire SM-6 missiles to accompany AEGIS destroyers.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
