Indra introduces in Vigo’s estuary its unmanned marine drone

In the unmanned ship development were also involved the Galician authorities and the University of Vigo

Indra launched today on Vigo’s estuary their model of unmanned ship. The device is 7’3 metres in length, 1,5 tons weight and is powered by a waterjet and can be used remotely from more than 4 miles from the coast.

The ship’s delivery takes part in the Civil UAV’s Initiative Project, driven by the Regional Government of Galicia, and it is expected to explore new paths for surveillance tasks around ports, research tasks through practical sampling and, especially, rescue tasks. In the latter, the reason why this project could reach such great importance is due to two factors. The first is that this ship can make riskier operations, having in mind that it has no crew members on board. The second one is that, by being powered by a waterjet instead of propellers, it avoids the risk of provoking injuries during the maritime rescue tasks. 

During the exhibition, the maritime rescue plane PT2006T MRI accompanied and took photos of the ship, which had a crew member on board during the route, although he didn´t take over the craft. The reason according to the general director of Indra, José Manuel Pérez Pujazón, is that the current regulation doesn’t envisage the possibility of sailing the Spanish waters. “It is a case in which technology goes ahead in the development of the regulations”, detailed. 

In the first phase of development of this project have worked hand in hand the University of Vigo, the Technological Telecommunications Centre of Galicia (Gradiant) and scores of brands from Vigo. The counselor of Economy, Industry and Employment, Francisco Conde, praised the initiative and highlighted that he places “Galicia in the lead of vanguard in innovation at a European level in this area” and compared the landmark of this morning with the one carried out in 2015, when it was first tested an autonomous car in Spain and that, after leaving Vigo, went through Madrid and finished its journey in there.

(Source: Faro de Vigo)