(Full index of popular Covert Shores articles)
Russia Reveals 'Katran' Trimaran USV
Russia's Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies, a tech accelerator, have revealed a new trimaran aluminum surface drone (USV). The USV has been labelled 'Katran', the Russian name for the Spiny Dogfish, a small species of shark. Confusingly, a Ukrainian USV is also called Katran, and the two should not be mixed up.
The Russian system is reportedly being tested by the Black Sea Fleet (BSF) and is expected to join the war on Ukraine.
Limited information is available. The vessel bears a slight resemblance to Zafir / Orcan type revealed last year. It differs in construction material, the Zafir appears fiberglass, and in propulsion. The new type has an outboard motor but with an aluminum shroud, possibly intended as armor, or to reduce its infrared signature.
Armament is shown as a single machine gun, possibly on a trainable mount.
Related articles (Full index of popular Covert Shores articles)
maritime drones (USVs) of the Russo-Ukraine War.
Nerpa anti-diver UUV
Explosive Boats world history
Houthi's Blowfish: Guide To Explosive USV Threat Off Yemen