AEVEX Aerospace has unveiled its rugged, low-visibility unmanned surface vehicle (USV) Mako and its variant Mako Lite at a show in Tampa.
These low-visibility drones are rugged and highly capable, with the ability to perform a range of operations, including carrying cargo, delivering personnel infiltration/exfiltration, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and even kamikaze missions.
Customizable sea drones can be equipped with different features like extra fuel tanks, tools for enabling first-person view control, and even a mini-gun or guided munition launcher. The use of unmanned drones has definitely been on the rise, especially in light of recent events like the Russia-Ukraine war. Companies like AEVEX are taking advantage of this growing interest and developing new unmanned vessels and crafts like the Mako.
Both Mako and Mako Lite aircraft boast endurance of up to 12.5 hours and a range of 250 nautical miles (463 kilometers). While Mako has a fuel capacity of 18-68 gallons, Mako Lite has a smaller fuel tank of 8-30 gallons.
Mako is around 11.4 feet (3.4 meters) long and a little over 4 feet (1.2 meters) in beam. Its weight is approximately 895 lbs (405 kg) when it is empty, while it has a payload capacity of up to 200 lbs (90 kg).
Mako is 11.4 feet long and just over 4 feet wide, while Mako Lite is over 9 feet long with a beam of 3.10 feet. Mako can carry payloads of up to 200 lbs (90 kg), while Mako Lite can carry up to 100 lbs (45 kg). Both aircraft are lightweight and agile, perfect for a variety of applications.
Both versions are unmanned and equipped with GNSS navigation using a multi-constellation receiver. The fact that they have a base 900 MHz LOS radio is also noteworthy. AEVEX is utilizing autonomous systems to control the maneuverable jet-driven hull, which can reach speeds over 50 knots (57.5 miles per hour) and has been tested to sea state 4. They incorporate PNT (position, navigation, and timing) solutions to maintain precise navigation and operational capability even in GPS-denied environments.
The idea of rapidly implementing customer-specific changes and add-on kits to the base design of USVs proposed by the company is quite impressive. Additionally, the autonomous navigation capabilities of Mako USVs through algorithms and sensor fusion are significant advancements in the field of robotics.
The increasing use of drones in combat, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine war, demonstrates their effectiveness in both defense and offense. With the Mako USVs’ innovative features, customers can be assured of a cutting-edge product that meets their specific needs.
The company also proposes that it can rapidly bring about any changes needed by the customer to fulfill any specific need. There are also add-on kits, which can be attached to the base USV design.
The company also states that Mako USVs can achieve autonomous navigation through algorithms and sensor fusion, enabling them to navigate, make decisions, and complete missions without direct intervention. The growing influence of drones in combat The Russia-Ukraine war has shown the levels at which drones can be used to hurt the enemy and defend one’s territory.
The company’s proposal to implement customer-specific changes and add-on kits to the base design of USVs is an impressive feature that sets them apart from their competitors. The Mako USVs’ autonomous navigation capabilities through algorithms and sensor fusion represent a significant leap in the field of robotics. The increasing use of drones in combat, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine war, demonstrates their effectiveness in both defense and offense.
