Latvia launches serial production of FOG and RAY sea drones
Photo: Sea drone (NEWT21)
Latvian unmanned systems manufacturer NEWT21 has completed a project to move its FOG and RAY sea drones from the prototype stage to serial production, according to a statement from NEWT21 on LinkedIn.
What is known about the project
The project "Modernisation of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) and Preparation of the Production Process" was co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.
As part of the project, NEWT21 integrated the systems, carried out testing and prepared the final technical documentation. This made it possible to start standardized production and commercial use of both vessels.
FOG and RAY specifications
FOG is a high-speed tactical maritime drone designed for rapid deployment, covert reconnaissance and interception. Its hull is made of carbon fiber and aramid fiber.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have used FOG for reconnaissance and patrol missions in the Black Sea. Spanish company UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía also demonstrated an autonomous control system based on FOG during US special forces exercises in Cartagena.
RAY is a larger, modular vessel designed for logistics, surveillance and hydrographic missions.
- It is 5,400 mm long and 2,250 mm wide, weighing under 500 kg with a payload capacity of up to 500 kg.
- Two 90-horsepower waterjet engines give it a cruising speed of 50 km/h and a top speed of 78 km/h.
- Its range is up to 700 km at cruising speed.
NEWT21 offers RAY for cargo delivery, medical evacuation and support for deploying unmanned ground vehicles, as well as a platform for interceptor drones or mine-clearing equipment. The ground control station can operate up to 32 vessels at the same time.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Danish company BlueShadow was looking into using its Blue Dragon sea drone interception system to counter ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons. It also reported that protecting civilian shipping corridors would be a key part of the Blue Dragon mission in the Black Sea.
