ST Electronics Launches Venus

a Full Sized Unmanned Surface Vehicle & USV Simulator

Solutions showcased at Singapore Aerospace 2010 Exhibition

(Singapore, February 1, 2010) -- ST Electronics launches Venus, a 9-metre Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) at the Singapore Airshow 2010 (SA2010). To complement and meet the needs for users of USVs, the company is also demonstrating its in-house developed USV Simulator.

Venus USV

The ST Electronics Venus USV is based on a composite 9m hull platform, integrated with Guidance Navigation Control (GNC), Electronics and Sensors Systems. ST Electronics has taken a modular design approach in the development of the Venus USV. The modular design concept envisages a common platform reconfigurable for multiple missions, through integrating different payload modules, offering a high level of mission autonomy.

The Venus USV is intended to be adaptable in fulfilling the needs for a range of naval and security missions. The first prototype has already successfully completed its remote control and waypoint navigation trials and is now in its next development phase of mission payload integration.

Potential payload options may include:

-- Mine Counter-Measure - equipped with a synthetic aperture sonar and expendable mine disposable system
-- Force Protection - combining radar and electro-optic sensors with a small-calibre remote weapon station
-- Anti-submarine Warfare - equipped with an active dipping sonar
-- Electronic Warfare - equipped with electronics warfare sensors
-- Maritime Surveillance
-- Precision Fire - equipped with short range missile system

The Venus USV hull platform is designed by ST Electronics' partner, Navatek of the US.

USV Simulator

The evolution of USVs has brought about critical new capabilities, mixing advanced technologies with complex operations, which invariably creates a need for highly-skilled operators to operate these systems.

To complement the Venus USV, ST Electronics' in-house developed and highly customisable USV Simulator will actively engage trainees in problem solving and competency based learning. Being highly modular in nature, the USV Simulator is a cost effective mode of training.

It facilitates training in the following areas:

-- Trains operators in manoeuvring and navigating a USV
-- Trains operators to operate the onboard camera
-- Trains operators to practice deployment of USV for oceanographic surveys, environment studies, facility inspections eg. oil-rigs
-- Trains operators in surface surveillance operations eg. pollution/chemical detection, mine watch, harbour protection, etc

Source : Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (SGX: ST Engg) - click here for more information