Naval Group, a naval defense equipment designer and manufacturer, has won three awards in the 2024 Naval Technology Excellence Awards in the Innovation, Product Launches, and Environmental categories for its commitment to advancing naval technology and addressing critical global challenges.
The Naval Technology Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the defense industry, with a special focus on the Navy. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
Naval Group won the Innovation award for its development of the SeaQuest-S unmanned surface vehicle, which showcases a modular and high-performance design for naval operations. The Product Launches award was secured through the introduction of the F21 heavyweight torpedo, a cutting-edge underwater weapon with enhanced capabilities. The Environmental award was granted for the LIFE-SEADETECT project, an initiative aimed at protecting cetaceans from ship collisions through advanced detection systems.
Innovation in unmanned systems: The SeaQuest-S USV
Naval Group’s innovation prowess is exemplified by the SeaQuest-S unmanned surface vehicle (USV), a cutting-edge solution in naval deterrence and intelligence gathering. The SeaQuest-S showcases a modular design that allows for flexible deployment across various missions, whether governmental or civilian. Its advanced sensor suite and integration capabilities with existing naval assets highlight a forward-thinking approach to uncrewed naval warfare. The SeaQuest-S emphasizes speed, maneuverability, and adaptability, making it a versatile tool in modern naval operations.
The SeaQuest-S is equipped with a 4-meter Panoramic Sensor Integrated Module (PSIM), which consolidates navigation, security sensors, and command systems within a single, efficient unit. This feature allows for seamless integration with a variety of vessels, including frigates, logistic support ships, and minesweepers, enabling rapid deployment without modifications to the ship’s structure. The USV’s ability to operate autonomously or in a coordinated swarm, even in challenging conditions up to sea state 5, further underscores its operational flexibility. Powered by a 350-horsepower diesel inboard motor with waterjet propulsion, the SeaQuest-S can reach speeds of up to 35 knots and operate for about five hours per mission, covering over 200 nautical miles. Its primary defense mechanism lies in its speed and evasive capabilities, allowing it to swiftly disengage from threats if necessary.
Product launch excellence: The F21 heavyweight torpedo
Naval Group’s F21 heavyweight torpedo represents a significant leap in underwater weaponry, earning the company accolades for its product launch excellence. Developed under the French Defence Procurement Agency’s Artemis program, the F21 torpedo is designed to replace its predecessor, the F17, with enhanced detection, speed, and endurance capabilities. Its reliability, invulnerability, and lethality make it an award-worthy innovation in naval defense. The torpedo’s adaptability and cybersecurity features ensure it remains a formidable asset in complex maritime environments. The F21’s successful integration into French and Brazilian naval forces underscores its strategic importance and technological superiority.
The F21 torpedo is equipped with advanced onboard intelligence, allowing it to maneuver and orient itself in complex spaces, a crucial advantage in coastal environments where conflicts are increasingly occurring. Its high computing power enables real-time processing of sensor data, target discrimination, and situation assessment, even in the most challenging conditions. The torpedo’s design incorporates the highest standards of cybersecurity, protecting it from potential intrusions aimed at altering its course or mission. Additionally, the F21’s endurance supports long-lasting missions, enabling it to reach distant targets or be redirected to another target during its mission. This scalability ensures that the F21 remains at the forefront of underwater weaponry throughout its service life.
Environmental leadership: The LIFE-SEADETECT project
Naval Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its pioneering LIFE-SEADETECT project, aimed at protecting cetaceans from ship collisions. This initiative, part of the European Union’s LIFE program, seeks to develop an automated detection system to prevent maritime accidents involving marine mammals. By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data fusion, the SEADETECT project offers a novel solution to a pressing environmental issue. The project’s collaborative nature, involving partners from Belgium, France, and Italy, highlights Naval Group’s dedication to marine biodiversity conservation. The anticipated reduction of cetacean collisions by 80% demonstrates the project’s potential impact on marine conservation.
The SEADETECT system comprises three components: a system installed on large vessels providing real-time alerts about unidentified floating objects, a network of passive acoustic monitoring buoys that detect and triangulate the position of cetaceans, and a sharing detection software that informs equipped vessels of collision risks. This comprehensive approach addresses the key factors contributing to collisions: detection capability, crew reaction time, and ship maneuverability. By providing real-time data and alerts, the SEADETECT system enhances maritime safety and contributes significantly to the protection of marine biodiversity. Naval Group’s expertise in perception, monitoring, and data fusion, combined with its commitment to environmental protection, positions the SEADETECT project as a critical advancement in marine conservation efforts.
Company Profile
Naval Group is a contractor, manufacturer and designer of naval defense equipment. The company’s products include multi-mission vessels, multi-mission frigate, combat systems, corvettes, projection and command ships, submarine weapons and diesel submarines. It offers maritime surveillance and security systems, aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, surface ships, floating wind turbines, tidal turbines and replenishment tanker. Naval Energies provides marine renewable energy solutions, training and simulation services, fleet optimization, technical services and modernization services. The company designs, constructs, maintains and operates naval infrastructure. Naval provides services for naval shipyards and bases. The company has presence in Brazil, India, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, France and Ireland. Naval is headquartered in Paris, Ile-de-France, France.
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