BAE Systems has unveiled a design for a new hi-tech warship entitled the ‘UXV Combatant’. Employing stealth technology, the design - still at a concept stage - is described by its potential makers as a “mothership for unmanned vehicles”. In service, the UXV would be designed to launch, operate and recover these unmanned devices; among them – pilotless aircraft.

If developed, the UXV could prove to be a pivotal warship for the times ahead.

The UXV design was arrived at after research was undertaken by BAE, in which it collaborated with other firms such as Rolls Royce. According to BAE, the warship could provide navies with a “cost-effective solution” in regards to the operation of “large numbers of small unmanned vehicles for extended periods”.

The design of the UXV is tailored to allow its operation in a “future battle space dominated by land, sea and air unmanned vehicles”. Its heritage lies in the Type 45 Destroyer ship – BAE-built and set to enter Royal Navy service in 2009.

The UXV was described further by BAE: “Using a proven naval hull form to launch, operate and recover large numbers of small unmanned vehicles for extended periods, the UXV plays the role of mother ship – a permanent base and control centre for the futuristic unmanned land, sea and air vehicles before, during and on completion of their missions.”

The company added: “The concept brings together naval technologies developed through collaboration with partners such as Rolls Royce and across BAE Systems business units, as part of a programme of continuous improvement.”

Among the UXV’s features will be a pair of flight decks, a ski jump capable of being angled to different positions, a hanger located below-deck and smart munitions.

With a design which can be adapted for different and varied roles, the UXV, according to BAE, propels notions of stealth to a new plateau.

Should production be forthcoming, it is expected that the UXV’s military career will begin at some point after 2020.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Naval Expert

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