USV-LAUNCHED FPV CAPABILITY
Launch Fiber-Optic FPV Drones From the Water.
MARIONETTE enables an uncrewed surface vessel to transport and launch fiber-optically controlled FPV drones from the maritime environment. Self-actuating deployment cases protect the aircraft during transit and prepare them for remote launch when needed.
Once deployed, the fiber-optic connection carries real-time video and control between the drone and launch platform without relying on a conventional RF link. This creates a resilient option for FPV operations in environments affected by electronic warfare, jamming, GNSS denial, or RF detection.
THE OPERATIONAL NEED
A Low-Cost Capability With a Critical Vulnerability.
FPV drones provide a low-cost way to put effects on target, but their effectiveness can depend on communications and navigation systems that are vulnerable in contested environments.
Low-Cost Effects
Small FPV drones offer an adaptable and comparatively inexpensive way to reach targets with precision.
Vulnerable Links
Conventional FPV drones can be disrupted by electronic warfare, GNSS denial, and interference with their radio-frequency control and video links.
Fiber-Optic Control
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the operational value of fiber-optic FPV drones, which maintain real-time control and video through a physical connection rather than a traditional RF link.
MARITIME EMPLOYMENT
Bring Fiber-Optic FPV Operations to the Water.
Fiber-optic FPV drones have demonstrated their value in land warfare. MARIONETTE extends that capability into the maritime environment by turning an uncrewed surface vessel into a mobile launch platform.
Transport
Carry fiber-optic FPV drones across the maritime environment aboard an uncrewed surface vessel.
Protect
Enclosed launch cases protect the aircraft during transit and prepare them for employment when the vessel reaches the launch area.
Launch
Remotely deploy fiber-optic FPV drones from the water, creating new options for distributed operations in littoral and contested environments.
MARIONETTE moves fiber-optic FPV capability beyond fixed, land-based launch positions and introduces a mobile maritime point of employment.
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
Built Around the Mission.
MARIONETTE combines protected transport, self-actuating deployment cases, and support for multiple FPV drone sizes in a configuration designed for employment from an uncrewed surface vessel.
Multiple Aircraft Sizes
Supports 5-inch, 7-inch, and 10-inch FPV drone configurations, allowing the system to adapt to different mission requirements.
Protected During Transit
Enclosed cases shield the aircraft and launch components while the vessel moves through the maritime environment.
Self-Actuating Deployment
The launch cases open remotely and position the aircraft for deployment without requiring personnel at the launch point.
Integrated With the Vessel
The capability is carried aboard the USV, creating a mobile maritime platform for transporting and employing fiber-optic FPV drones.