XLOONG USV breaks cover

XLOONG USV breaks cover

Recognising growing naval interest in the potential of unmanned and autonomous systems, China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSSC, Stand 10-E03) has unveiled its XLOONG unmanned surface vessel (USV) concept at IDEX.

Modular in design to allow for the integration of multiple different weapon payloads, the XLOONG USV is capable of performing interdiction, patrol and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. The craft’s angled shape is designed to minimise radar cross-section.

The model displayed by CSSC at IDEX shows an interchangeable mid-body section that can be configured to host anti-ship missiles, rocket launchers or an eight-cell silo for a range of vertically launched precision-guided weapons. A further eight vertical launch cells are embedded within the vessel structure (four on either beam).

According to CSSC, the XLOONG USV incorporates a high degree of autonomy with regard to both route planning and task planning/mission management, and multiple vehicles can operate together as part of a collaborative ‘swarm’. As well as operating fully unmanned, the USV can also be used in a manned mode.

Target drone sees first action

Leonardo’s new M-40 target drone has completed its first live missions for the Italian Navy during a recent training exercise at an armed forces test range.

Able to represent a full spectrum of radar, infrared (IR) and visual threats, the M-40 is the latest evolution of Leonardo’s Mirach family of unmanned airborne targets. According to the company, the M-40 has been developed to offer medium- to highperformance target presentations at a price comparable with competitors’ entry-level drones.

The recent live firing exercise saw the aircraft carrier Cavour and its complement of Harrier II+ aircraft training alongside the destroyer Mimbelli. The M-40 drones were used to simulate incoming anti-ship missiles, and also to act as a hostile enemy fighter in air-to-air combat scenarios.

During these missions, navy personnel were able to ‘shoot down’ the reusable M-40 in realistic scenarios, allowing them to train with weapon systems including Aspide missiles. Because of its lower operating costs, the M-40 was able to provide the same level of training as previous exercises at a significantly reduced cost.

Leonardo (Stand 06-B07) owns and operates the M-40 on behalf of the Italian Armed Forces, under a managed service arrangement with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

Alongside the M-40, Leonardo continues to offer the highperformance Mirach 100/5 target, which shares the same ground control station as the new M-40. During the recent Italian Navy exercise, the Mirach 100/5 was employed to simulate a missile attack against the naval vessels, allowing the crew to train with SM-1 and Aster 15 missiles.