Blackfish
Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)
Blackfish, QinetiQ North America’s unmanned surface vehicle (USV), provides a flexible and powerful solution for maritime force protection in ports and harbors. With a top speed of over 40 kt, Blackfish gets eyes on target fast while keeping the operator a safe distance from threats. With Blackfish on scene, the optional 2-dimensional high-resolution sonar and integrated pan-tilt unit allows authorities to locate, classify, and pursue underwater diver and swimmer threats.
Blackfish features an above water high-resolution pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) video camera affording 360° surface views and 0-90° azimuthal imaging. When water conditions permit, an optional underwater video camera and lighting system provide even greater situational awareness. With an operational range of 1km from its antennas, Blackfish can provide coverage of more than 3 sq km at ranges that allow time for target intercept and classification, giving more time for decisions in high-stress situations. Blackfish mission endurance exceeds 1 hour with full power loading, enabling multiple missions on a single set of batteries. Battery replacement takes less than 5 minutes, putting Blackfish back on the job almost immediately.
Blackfish is operated from QinetiQ North America’s common control unit (CCU), the latest digital controller for the Talon line of robots. Designed for a single operator, Blackfish does not require increased manpower. Powerful software features including heading control and waypoint navigation reduce routine operator tasking, allowing him to focus on the mission. The Blackfish CCU has been successfully integrated with a swimmer defense system, accepting tasking from and passing telemetry data to a system using long-range fixed-position swimmer detection sonars to cue intercept missions.
Designed for the mission, for the operator, for integration with larger systems, and for the logistics team, Blackfish provides a new, advanced capability to our warfighters and to the fleet.