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| Ulaq Drone |
Militarymedia.net - There is something interesting about Turkey's National Sovereignty Day which fell on April 23, because the article has released a surface ship drone design designed for anti-submarine missions (AKS). The surface ship drone model (USV) is now familiar, however, for the role of the AKS it is still relatively rare, because the type of sensor it carries is different and more complicated in how to detect it.
Two Turkish defense companies - Ares Shipyard and Meteksan, have introduced the Unmanned Surface Combat Vehicle (USCV) design that is labeled Ulaq. This drone with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities is 11.8 meters long and can travel 45 km per hour. As for AKS duties, the Ulaq is equipped with a submarine detection sonar, sonobuoy and two 324 mm caliber light torpedo units.
The developer said that Ulaq can later be controlled from a control station on the beach, so that it can rely on relays from drones in the air. Currently, Ares Shipyard and Meteksan has completed the Ulaq design phase, the plan is that the first prototype anti-submarine drone will be released at the end of this year (2021). Meanwhile, torpedo firing tests are expected to be carried out in the second half of 2022.
Ulaq emerged as a result of the cooperation of two Turkish companies, Meteksan Defense, which is known for its sonar products, drone control systems and data systems. Meanwhile the Ares shipyard is a composite shipbuilder that delivers multiple ships to several navies and coast guards.
From the brochure on display, called Ulaq, it will be equipped with self-destruction capability, WAIS (Warship Automatic Identification System), encrypted communication, and day and night vision systems. It is not known what type of engine supply will be used, however, the Ulaq is designed to be able to sail as far as 500 km.
