Exail, a French marine technology firm, has been awarded a contract to deliver five DriX H-8 uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) to a European nation, whose identity remains undisclosed. The high-performance vessels will support ISR missions, enhancing maritime situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Though initially engineered for hydrographic surveying, the DriX H-8’s design allows for payload flexibility, enabling the integration of various sensors to conduct advanced data-gathering missions in both coastal and offshore waters. This versatility allows users to adapt the platform across different naval and research applications.
The USV is capable of functioning in sea state 5, and operators can choose between remote control and semi-autonomous modes, depending on mission needs. With a diesel-powered 38 HP engine, the vehicle achieves:
A speed of 14 knots for 24 hours
Mid-range endurance at 7 knots for 7 days
Long-duration missions of 10 days at 4 knots
At 7.71 meters in length and 2 meters in draft, the vessel has a displacement of 1.4 tons. It is fuel-efficient, carrying 250 liters of fuel with a consumption rate of only 2 liters per hour, making it ideal for sustained operations at sea.
No additional contract terms or delivery timelines have been disclosed by Exail at this time.
