The Ukrainian company MAC HUB has unveiled the Katran X1.2 unmanned surface vehicle, designed for the covert deployment and launch of FPV strike drones. The company claims that the USV is capable of carrying up to nine MAC Thunder 10 FPV drones as well as four Osa fixed-wing drones.
The most notable capability is its ability to carry up to 23 MAC Dead Fly FPV interceptor drones, which have a maximum speed of 300 km/h, a range of 20 km, a flight ceiling of five km, and a 500 g payload.
Read more: To Shoot Down Iskander-M with Patriot 5 Times Cheaper: U.S. Is Rushing to Develop New LCI Missile In Addition to PAC-3 MSE
In addition to strike missions, the new Katran x1.2 can also perform air defense missions, intercepting Shahed drones while they are still far out at sea. This could help protect Ukrainian coastal cities, including Odesa, from attacks by russian Shahed and other drones.
This is especially relevant, as at sea, interception options for drones are highly limited. The deployment of mobile fire units or other air-defense systems at sea is not feasible, while the number of available vessels is limited. This is precisely where unmanned surface vessels come in.
It is important to note that the idea of mounting FPV interceptor drones on unmanned surface vessels is not new, and they are currently being actively integrated onto various Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels. For instance, it is worth mentioning the Magura USV, which was tested in real combat conditions as early as March of this year.
The newest Katran x1.2 has a range of 1,600 km, which, combined with a satellite communication antenna, allows it to operate across the Black Sea. The Katran x1.2 can also be equipped with a combat module or launchers for two R-73 air-to-air missiles.
Thanks to these missiles, the Katran x1.2 is capable of intercepting not only drones but also aircraft, helicopters, and possibly even cruise missiles. The company also says that a NEMESIS model can be installed as an add-on, likely referring to a heavy bomber drone.
The new Katran x1.2 measures 9.11 meters in length, 2.79 meters in width, and 1.45 meters in height. It has a maximum speed of up to 93 km/h and a cruising speed of 65 km/h. It features a damage detection system, a water pumping system, and a power supply system providing up to 72 hours of autonomy.
In addition, the Katran x1.2 is equipped with an autopilot, a system capable of maintaining its position for several days, and artificial intelligence for target detection, acquisition, and autonomous control in the event of a complete loss of communication.
From the Defense Express side, we urges you to join a fundraising for what is already working: One United Fundraiser: Fundraising by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation for interceptor drones.
Read more: Is Pentagon Considering Ukrainian FP-7.x as New Cheap Anti-ballistic Missile for Patriot SAM to Replace PAC-3 MSE
