Sea sentinels: Chinese unmanned maritime systems gain traction

Transcription

1 Sea sentinels: Chinese unmanned maritime systems gain traction [Content preview Subscribe to Jane s International Defence Review for full article] Although Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles have attracted significant interest in recent years, the country is also advancing the development of its unmanned maritime systems in the surface and underwater domains. Kelvin Wong investigates some of the latest efforts under way The December 2016 seizure of a US Navy (USN) autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) by China s People s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the South China Sea threw the spotlight on the increasing sensitivity as well as the use of unmanned maritime systems in Asia Pacific waters. The AUV, subsequently revealed as a Teledyne Webb Slocum G2 glider by the USN, was deployed from the Pathfinder-class survey ship USNS Bowditch on what was claimed to be oceanographic survey operations when it was retrieved by an armed PLAN vessel 50 n miles northwest of Subic Bay, Philippines. Although the PLAN has since returned the AUV, the incident which occurred in the vicinity of the disputed Scarborough Shoal that China claims as its territory remains a notable example of the perceived military utility that these platforms potentially offer. This particular incident also highlights the growing use of unmanned technologies in the East and South China Seas by regional maritime security, commercial, and national survey agencies, and increasingly, naval forces. For example, the USN has routinely used unmanned platforms such as the Slocum G2 glider under its Littoral Battlespace Sensing-Gliders (LBS-G) programme to gather data that is primarily scientific in nature although oceanographic measurements can also be exploited for military applications such as underwater navigation and sonar calibration. The type has also been deployed to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and mine countermeasure (MCM) missions. Unmanned surface vessels [Continued in full version ] Beijing Sifang Automation (Sifang) a research and manufacturing company specialising in power automation and generation, as well as transportation systems completed extensive trials of its SeaFly unmanned surface vessel (USV) in December 2017 and is ready to commence production once a launch customer is secured. The Seafly USV is an internally funded development that began in 2014, with the first prototype, SeaFly-01, successfully completing initial trials on Nanhu Lake in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on 27 October Page 1 of 10

2 The SeaFly-01 prototype USV recently completed extensive tests in the port city of Qingdao and is now ready for production, although a launch customer is yet to be found. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong) According to specifications provided by Sifang, the 4.5-tonne SeaFly-01 measures m and 3.7 m in length and beam respectively, although this can be scaled up or down depending on the customer s requirements. A pair of 380 hp marine waterjets enable the vehicle to achieve a maximum stated speed of 45 kt when fully loaded; the company is quoting a maximum operating endurance in excess of 400 km with a 700-litre fuel capacity. The SeaFly-01 prototype features what Sifang has termed a double M type multihull of lightweight, all-carbon composite moulded construction, which bears a striking resemblance to the M80 Stiletto stealth ship demonstrator built by US naval architecture firm MShipCo. According to technical development manager Wang Songlin, the SeaFly s multihull design offers increased high-speed stability and enables unrestricted operation in Sea State 4 conditions, while delivering greater internal volume for mission payloads and ancillary systems. Wang told Jane s that Sifang engineers have incorporated low radar cross-section design principles such as a low-profile, faceted planform, and radar-absorbent material (RAM) to increase the sea vehicle s ability to evade detection. Sifang has leveraged its expertise in intelligent ship-automation and power systems to incorporate advanced autonomy protocols into the SeaFly-01, enabling the vehicle to perform dynamic positioning and route planning, as well as obstacle avoidance and automatic return. In addition, multiple vessels can be networked to form a fleet. With a maximum payload of 1.5 tonnes, the SeaFly-01 can carry a range of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imagers, as well as other active and passive sensor systems on its roof-mounted sensor mast or in a fully enclosed payload bay situated amidships. The payload bay can also be equipped with a retractable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch and recovery system, which enables the SeaFly to function as a mothership for small vertical take-off and landing UAVs. Page 2 of 10

3 These typically carry HD day and/or infrared (IR) cameras to capture real-time imagery, but other customer-specified mission systems can be integrated if requested. The SeaFly-01 can be outfitted with a wide range of mission equipment, including a rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle launch and recovery module. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong) A key challenge that we have had to overcome is the difficulty of recovering a UAV at sea because the SeaFly is constantly rolling along with the waves, Wang noted. This means that the window of opportunity to land the UAV is often short and could close without warning, putting the mothership at risk of damage from a botched landing. What we did was to leverage on resident expertise in intelligent ship-automation and power systems to develop advanced autonomy and seakeeping protocols, he further explained. These algorithms enable the SeaFly to assess the immediate sea conditions, predict how it will react to wave motion, and generate the optimal return path for the UAV with a high degree of success. Line of sight (LOS) control can be maintained for up to 50 km via a shore-based mobile or fixed command-and-control (C2) centre, while beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) control is supported by the indigenous BeiDou satellite navigation system as well as satellite communication (SATCOM) equipment. It is also worth noting that unlike the US government-owned global positioning system (GPS) in use by many countries around the world, BeiDou is capable of receiving and transferring small data packets in addition to its primary role of navigation support, a feature that theoretically enables operators to send basic instructions to the SeaFly even if the SATCOM system malfunctions or is disabled. The company earlier confirmed that tests of a range of armaments for the USV, including stabilised remote weapon stations equipped with 5.8 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, as well as guided anti-armour missiles, have been carried out in collaboration with a number of other Chinese firms, although it declined to provide further details. Page 3 of 10

4 Wang added that the SeaFly is ideally suited for military missions such as area denial, surveillance and intelligence gathering, harbour and force protection, and ASW, although the company is also offering the design to civilian agencies for scientific tasks including meteorological data collection, hydrological sampling, terrain mapping, and water-quality monitoring. Yunzhou Intelligence Technology (Yunzhou-Tech), a Zhuhai-based company specialising in the design and manufacture of USVs, has developed the M80 series of oceanographic survey platforms with an eye on military hydrographic and surveillance applications. The M80A, which was rolled out in April 2016, adopts a wave-piercing, foil-assisted trimaran hull form constructed from Yunzhou-Tech s proprietary carbon foam sandwich material. The company claims that the M80A s low profile and sloped surfaces, combined with RAM coatings on the hull, provides a low radar signature that enables the sea vehicle to perform its missions discreetly. A company spokesperson told Jane s that the M80A has already performed a series of hydrographic survey mission in the South China Sea in support of a number of Chinese government agencies, although he declined to go into the specifics given the political sensitivity surrounding the disputed waters. The stealthy M80A can perform survey operations discreetly, a feature that has been put to the test in the South China Sea. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong) Measuring 4.8 m in length with an overall beam of 2.35 m and above water height of 1.35 m, the M80A which is designed for unrestricted operation in Sea State 4 and to survive in Sea State 5 conditions is powered by a pair of podded electric motors that enable it to reach a maximum speed of 10 kt and support an endurance of 200 n miles. The M80A has been designed to be a rapidly deployable USV with remote, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous operation. LOS control using a handheld controller is quoted as 5 km, although this can be extended to 15 km with a vehicle or ship-based C2 console. The company has also introduced cellphone-based 4G LTE connectivity, which adds the ability to stream data and HD video imagery in real-time at ranges of up to 30 km. Page 4 of 10

5 According to specifications provided to Jane s, the M80A is equipped with a m multimission bay with a payload capacity of 150 kg. Typical equipment includes a range of sensor systems such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP), multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonars, towed sub-bottom profilers, and multi-parameter sondes. More recently, Yunzhou-Tech also unveiled a new oceanographic survey USV development at the Ocean Sciences and Technology Exhibition held in the port city of Qingdao in September Developed in partnership with the PLAN Hydrographic Survey Research Institute and the State Oceanic Administration s (SOA s) South China Sea Survey Technology Center, the fully autonomous M80B is based on a 5.65 m-long trimaran hullform with an overall beam of 2.4 m. Potential applications include scientific research, maritime security, and naval operations, Jane s understands from a company spokesperson that the outriggers can be retracted under optimal sea conditions, transforming the M80B into a conventional wave-piercing monohull for reduced hydrodynamic drag. When deployed, the additional stability offered by the outriggers enables the vehicle to perform sensing operations in conditions of up to Sea State 3, and survive in Sea State 5 environments. The M80B has a full-load displacement of around 1.4 tonnes, which includes a payload capacity of 150 kg. Mission equipment is supported by an on-board 500 W power supply. An electric propulsion system provides an operating range of up to 100 n miles when cruising at a speed of 6 8 kt, or about six hours of continuous operation. Yunzhou-Tech s latest M80B completed a hydrographic survey mission in the Antarctic, showcasing its ability to survive in extreme environments. The vehicle was unveiled to the public for the first time in model form at the 2017 Ocean Sciences and Technology Exhibition in Qingdao. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong) The USV is controlled from a portable control station, from which operators can monitor and operate the mission payloads and perform mission planning. However, the spokesperson asserted that the M80B has been designed with a high level of autonomy and is capable of performing a full mission without operator input. Page 5 of 10

6 [Continued in full version ] Ambitious plans by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) to develop a family of autonomous multirole surface combat vessels are also under way. The Beijing-based 13th Research Institute of CASC s Ninth Academy the latter also known as China Aerospace Times Electronics Corporation (CATEC) unveiled its D3000 unmanned oceanic combat vessel concept, which is presently envisioned to be a 30 m-class USV capable of operating out to a range of 540 n miles for up to 90 days, although its size can be further scaled up for greater range or payload capacity should there be a requirement. The autonomous D3000 is designed to be capable of executing a range of anti-submarine and surface warfare missions as a standalone unit, although it can also be deployed as part of a manned fleet as a combat support element. According to the company, the baseline D3000 is also expected to feature a hybrid-electric propulsion system powered by diesel generator sets, although these could be replaced with small gas turbines for improved reliability. The vehicle will also be equipped with high capacity batteries for extended low-speed or loiter operations using electric propulsion, while photovoltaic solar panels provide a secondary means of generating power. The D3000 unmanned oceanic combat vessel is designed to undertake a range of high-end naval missions, including air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong) The D3000 design adopts a trimaran hullform for increased mission payload flexibility and seakeeping performance, and is claimed to be capable of achieving maximum speeds of up to 40 kt, with guaranteed operation in conditions of up to Sea State 7. It also features a modular architecture that facilitates the installation and removal of sensors, weapons, and mission systems with the vessel capable of carrying up to 10 tonnes of payload to address a wide range of operational requirements. CASC envisions that it will develop two unique variants derived from the baseline design: the D3000A, which is optimised for the fleet defence and surveillance role with a multifunction radar Page 6 of 10

7 and bow-mounted active sonar system, along with surface-to-air missile and lightweight torpedo (LWT launchers; and the D3000B, which has been configured with two stern-mounted four-cell box launchers containing anti-ship missiles for the surface combat role. Both variants will be equipped with a foredeck-mounted Type 730 CIWS, which is equipped with a multibarrel 30 mm gun firing a mixture of mm armour-piercing and high-explosive shells at a rate of 4,500 4,800 rds/minute. The weapon features an integral OFC-3 electro-optical (EO) director and EFR-1 I-band (8 10 GHz) tracking radar, which provides additional imagery and tracking data independent of the vessel s own mast-mounted EO turret. An indigenously developed SATCOM suite linked to China Satellite Communications Co Ltd s ChinaSat constellation which is also owned by CASC supports over-the-horizon operations. Besides the D3000 unmanned oceanic combat vessel concept, CASC is also proposing a number of smaller combat platforms such as the B850 and C1500 USVs. The B850 high speed patrol USV is based on an 8.5 m rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) seaframe outfitted with a diesel propulsion system with a proposed maximum speed of 40 kt and operational endurance in excess of 24 hours, or out to a range of 107 n miles. The design is expected to be capable of operating in conditions of up to Sea State 4. Standard mission equipment for the B850 will comprise an EO/IR turret with HD day/night observation capabilities and integral laser rangefinder, a navigation radar, and SATCOM array, as well as a long-range acoustic device. It is also capable of carrying a small multirotor unmanned aircraft system to extend its surveillance range. The underwater domain [Continued in full version ] China has also made significant strides in UUV development in recent years, with increasingly sophisticated underwater vehicles reportedly being tested by the PLAN in reconnaissance as well as force multiplier roles. Although public information on military programmes is presently sparse, Chinese maritime technology firms and research universities have offered a glimpse of the country s present R&D capabilities. Although only recently incorporated in 2013, Tianjin Sublue Ocean Science & Technology Co Ltd has already developed a range of AUVs and robots. The company s latest product is the modular Orange Shark AUV, which can be configured for military and civilian applications such as mine detection and disposal, and scientific research. In the mine detection configuration, the forward half of Orange Shark comprises the nose module, which houses a high-frequency, short-range forward-looking sonar to aid obstacle avoidance and an acoustic modem for underwater communication; the buoyancy module, which employs a series of ballast tanks that enable precise depth control; and the mast module containing antennas for SATCOM and access to the Beidou satellite navigation constellation, as well as digital VHF radio connectivity when surfaced. Towards the rear of the vehicle are modules that carry the payload, energy, and propulsion and control systems. The payload module specific to the mine detection model is equipped with a dual flank-array sonar and high-resolution gap-filler sonar designed to detect mine-like objects, although a range of other mission systems such as a high-resolution synthetic-aperture sonar can Page 7 of 10

8 be used depending on requirements. Data is typically collected on a 64 GB storage drive for post mission analysis, although large capacity devices can be installed if required. The Lanshui (Bluewater) 2000 autonomous underwater vehicle is presently under development by Zhonghai Lanshui Automation Equipment Co Ltd. The company aims to achieve an operating depth of 2,000 m with this modular platform. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong) The propulsion module completes the vehicle and includes control systems. This contains a highefficiency electric motor that drives a four-bladed propeller. The AUV s main control surfaces comprising the stabilisers, rudders, and actuators are also located on this module. According to company specifications, the Orange Shark has a length of 2 m, diameter of 20 cm, and weight of 65 kg in its baseline configuration. However, it can reach a length and weight of 2.4 m and 80 kg respectively when fully equipped with additional modules. The company has also specified a maximum endurance of five hours at 3 kt up to a depth of 250 m, although endurance can be extended with higher capacity batteries. Another recently set up firm, the Shandong-based Zhonghai Lanshui Automation Equipment Co Ltd, is developing a new 240 kg-class modular AUV capable of achieving an operating depth of 2,000 m under its Lanshui (Bluewater) 2000 programme. The Lanshui 2000 AUV is expected to have a diameter of 32.4 cm, although its length can vary between 3.2 m and 4 m depending on its configuration. The baseline model comprises of the nose module that houses a conductivity-temperature-depth sensor and a forward sonar; the power module that can carry a 5 or 10 kwh main battery for up to 20 or 50 hours of operation respectively; the mission module containing an underwater charge coupled device imager, an ADCP or Doppler Velocity Log, navigation systems, as well as a fixed integrated mast that supports Beidou, GLONASS, GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity; a mission control module that houses the AUV s control and mission payload processors, as well as a secondary battery array that powers the mission systems. [Continued in full version ] Page 8 of 10

9 Meanwhile, the Shenyang Institute of Automation (SIA) at the Chinese Academy of Science has partnered with Tianjin Sublue to manufacture and market its range of Haiyi (Sea Wing) underwater gliders to potential domestic and international customers. Jane s understands that development of the Sea Wing commenced as early as 2003, although it was years later before the details of the underwater glider came to light in a 2011 scientific journal article released by its principal researchers (an event that also appears to have been timed with its launch). Comparable in physical form to Teledyne Webb s Slocum gliding AUV (GAUV) family, the Sea Wing features a torpedo-shaped main body with a pair of swept wings. The nose of the pressure hull contains the underwater glider s buoyancy and depth control systems, with the mission payload and control unit located in the middle. Housed at the rear end of the pressure hull is the antenna duct, which can be replaced by a streamlined duct that connects to a tether. The Petrel II sea glider features a hybrid propulsion system that enables it to glide in a sawtooth pattern using underwater currents or perform level flight with an electric thruster (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong) A Tianjin Sublue spokesperson told Jane's that the Sea Wing successfully completed a monthlong mission in the South China Sea in October 2014 that covered a distance in excess of 1,000 km. Since then, the underwater glider has clocked over 436 days of operation covering over 9,100 km in the East China Sea and Western Pacific Ocean. According to the company, the Sea Wing family presently comprises the 60 kg Sea Wing 300, which measures 1.9 m with an operating depth of 300 m and radius of 1,000 km. Travelling at glide speeds of up to 1 kt, the Sea Wing 300 can function untethered for up to 40 days. The 65 kg Sea Wing 1000-I and 70 kg Sea Wing 1000-II, which measure 2.1 m and 2.3 m respectively, are capable of achieving an operational depth of 1,000 m at similar speed profiles, although the latter is designed for extended missions with a maximum stated range of 1,500 km and up to 60 days of operation. [Continued in full version ] Page 9 of 10

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