Belgian technology firm MAHI has been demonstrating its Alpha-8 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the Belgian Navy.
The firm, based near Brussels, teamed up with Belgian powerboat manufacturer Bernico’s Vanguard high-performance naval engineering division to develop the Alpha-8. The 8.3m drone boat has a 370hp engine, meaning it can hit speeds of up to 50 knots.
It’s controlled via MAHI’s Sense software, deliberately built as an open architecture system using NATO-compatible data-sharing standards and its electro-optical and infra red sensors are supplied by Current Scientific Corporation.
Recently the Belgian Navy patrol vessel Pollux conducted a series of tests with an Alpha-8 USV in the North Sea.
The 53.5m Castor-class vessel is used by the Belgian Navy for security patrols, pollution control, and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. It deployed the drone to evaluate how USVs could act as a force multiplier and an extra set of eyes at sea.
Tests included verifying the drone’s situational awareness and collision-avoidance abilities and evaluating the USV on locate, shadow, and track coastal security missions and SAR.
A press statement by Current noted: “We are pleased to announce that MAHI’s Alpha-8 USV featuring CURRENT’s EO/IR system was successfully demonstrated to The Belgian Navy in the North Sea, showcasing how autonomous surface vessels can enhance maritime operations and situational awareness.”
And speaking about the Belgian Navy’s recent open access days in Zeebrugge MAHI added: “We showed the Alpha-8 to the public, and used the two days to connect directly with The Belgian Navy on what’s next for autonomous vessels in their fleet.
“Good conversations with the people who’d actually operate a system like this day to day, and just as good seeing the curiosity from everyone who stopped by to take a closer look.”
- You can read more details about the Alpha 8 on the MAHI website
