BAE SYSTEMS TALISMAN IS INTEGRATED WITH NAUTIS COMBAT SYSTEM

The TALISMAN UUV (unmanned underwater vehicle), launched by BAE Systems in March, has now been integrated with the Combat Management Systems (CMS) NAUTIS. The TALISMAN system, developed by BAE Systems in the UK, is a latest-generation modular multi-role UUV, capable of a wide range of maritime littoral operations. In a Mine Counter Measures (MCM) configuration, it carries the Archerfish single shot mine neutralizer and provides the capability for remote MCM without the need for deployment of manned platforms into a threat area.

This integration with NAUTIS utilises the open architectures designed into both the CMS and TALISMAN. A high level of operator interaction is provided between TALISMAN and the deploying unit through a range of communication medium: RF or Iridium SatCom (while the vehicle is surfaced) and acoustic communications systems (when the vehicle is submerged).

The NAUTIS integration has been a key aspect of the TALISMAN Development Programme. Traditionally, UUVs have required dedicated stand-alone consoles occupying valuable space onboard the host vessel. The ongoing work within combat system design to open system architectures has allowed easy incorporation within NAUTIS of the vehicle planning and control functions. With the ever increasing use of open system architectures and spiral development within combat systems TALISMAN now has an evolution route into the next generation of deployable assets. Whilst all mission parameters are pre-settable from NAUTIS before launch for full autonomous operation, the possibility of operator intervention throughout the mission allows tactical flexibility. Importantly, the presence of an RF link allows operator control of the Archerfish single shot neutralizer for mine disposal missions.

TALISMAN has already undergone several series of trial runs at sea with a 100% success rate to date. Deployment of Archerfish has been demonstrated at sea and further trials are planned later this year - aimed at widening the range of payloads and systems which are integrated into the vehicle.

The ability to carry multiple single shot neutralizers, coupled with on-board sensors (ranging from sonar to low-light video) and a communications link to a trained MCM operator, provides a very cost effective low risk approach to MCM in a high threat area. Importantly, the success of a mine disposal engagement can be verified and multiple targets can be engaged in a single TALISMAN deployment.