Rafael has displayed the 11m variant of its Protector USV for the first time at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, France.
The USV is operational with an undisclosed customer, and follows from the success of the 9m variant developed in 2004 that is on contract with several customers.
'Over this period since 2004 we've progressed into different variants,' a Rafael representative told Shephard.
He explained that there are redundancy options on the platform, including a dual engine, double the electronics and double the control system.
As well as the difference in size, this variant of the platform also includes a water cannon, as well as the Spotlight-N multi-sensor EO image system, and Spike LR missiles on the weapon station, which were all displayed on the Protector at the exhibition for the first time.
'In the other direction, however, we added the missile system to make it even more lethal.'
Rafael started developing the 11m variant some two and a half years ago as a result of a requirement form a specific customer, and it has been operational for some 12 months.
Talking about the possibility of developing an even bigger Protector the representative said there are 'all kinds of talks about it', although 'going above 11m already isn't an ideal option for a ship launch'. However for coastal patrol there is the option there to increase the size, he said.
Ten of the 11m platforms have been built, and ten of the 9m are operational.
'We've mainly focused so far on force protection,' the representative explained. 'As the market grows [for USVs] we'll get more and more ideas for applications.'
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