OCTOPODA 500 is a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) offered by Mauric for the deployment of naval drones in mine countermeasures (MCM) missions. The primary purpose of the vessel is mine-clearance, surveillance, survey and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.
The vessel acts as a mothership that operates outside the minefield when carrying out mine countermeasure operations. It can integrate ECA Group’s UMIS technology or any configuration of naval drones or UxV platforms.
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The OCTOPODA family of OPVs includes OCTOPODA 300, which is a 30m-long ship carrying a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as a mine identification and destruction system.
OCTOPODA 500 design and features
OCTOPODA 500 is based on the MAURIC sea-proven OPV range. It features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. The vessel is built in accordance with RINA rules and comes with machinery installations.
The vessel has a large UAV landing platform and supports the launch of a 12m Inspector 120 unmanned surface vessel (USV) from its aft ramp. The OPV can also deploy two A9-Ms, two SEASCAN autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and ten K-STER C vehicles in autonomous mode.
The overall length of the vessel is 53.50m and its maximum breadth is 10.60m. The load waterline length and draught of the vessel are 50m and 3.2m, respectively.
OCTOPODA 500 can accommodate a crew of 22 personnel, including eight crew members. The vessel can carry up to 80m³ (80,000l) of fuel and 20m³ (20,000l) of freshwater.
It has provision for a fast rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), which can be lowered using a heave-compensated davit during emergency operations. The RHIB accommodates six personnel and can cruise at a speed of more than 35k (64.82km/h).
Sensors and communication system of OCTOPODA 500
The vessel is integrated with ECA Group’s cost-effective UMIS technology to carry out its role of mothership effectively.
The UMIS modular robotics system is designed for navies and homeland protection operators carrying out survey and SAR operations.
It integrates a software suite called UMISOFT, which allows the operator to control and operate a range of unmanned vehicles such as USVs and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
UMIS configuration for the OCTOPODA 500 includes an UxV UMIS control centre and light UAV IT 180 Avia platform, which enables the vessel to carry out aerial drone combat.
Two mid-sized A18 AUVs, two SEASCAN ROVs and ten KSTER-C mine disposal vehicles can be operated from the vessel through the UMIS system. They carry out unmanned mission planning, supervision, data acquisition and management.
The vessel also houses a large UxV storage and maintenance hangar for parking the UUVs and carrying out maintenance activities on board.
OCOTPODA 500 armament
The forward deck of the OPV is fitted with a 20mm machine gun for protection against hostile threats.
Propulsion and performance of OCTOPODA 500
OCTOPODA 500 is powered by two diesel engines capable of producing 2,350kW each. It can be equipped with an optional electronic hybrid propulsion system. The vessel also integrates two fixed-pitch propellers and two bow thrusters.
The OPV can reach a maximum speed of 20k and attain a range of up to 2,900nmi (5,370.8km) at a cruising speed of 16k. The ship achieves a maximum range of 4,000nmi (7,408km) at an economical speed of 12k.
