Maritime technology and robotics specialist Exail has announced it has won an order for its DriX H-9 long-range uncrewed surface vessel from what it describes as “a leading global hydrographic authority.”
The unnamed customer is scheduled to take delivery in 2026 of the firm’s upgraded version of its DriX H-8 USV. The H-9 model offers up to 20 days of autonomous endurance and more payload capacity, offering extended operational reach and increased flexibility for persistent, over-the-horizon (OTH) surveys.
The platform is designed to offer capabilities for business sectors such as offshore energy providers and naval forces seeking to protect critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) and carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The H-9 can carry multiple sensors at the same time, including side-scan sonars, magnetometers, multi-beam echo sounders and sub-bottom profilers.
It can also deploy towed sensors and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) via a launch and recovery system.
Exail’s Head of Maritime Autonomy Sébastien Grall commented: “With this sale of the H-9, alongside the recent success of the DriX O-16, the DriX series is becoming a true reality at sea — enabling operations from shallow to deep waters, with expanding endurance, the ability to embark a wide range of sensors, and the capability to launch and recover various assets.”
He added: “With its maturity, reliability, and widespread adoption by both civilian and military customers worldwide, the DriX Series continues to set the standard for high-performance USV operations and strengthens Exail’s leadership in the rapidly evolving autonomous maritime systems market.”
- You can read more details on the Exail website