The Emirati start-up Desert Power Designs/Highland Systems unveiled manta ray-shaped submarine Kronos in the live demonstration at the NAVDEX naval area, with the company saying its craft’shydrodynamic hull gives it high surface and submerged speeds. Two underwater special-mission craft were unveiled during the IDEX 2023 show, held in Abu Dhabi from 20 to 24 February. The Kronos has two ways to submerge: a ‘dynamic dive at high speed’, or more conventionally filling its ballast tanks. The Kronos has been undergoing sea trials for the past two months, a special demonstration is scheduled for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy in the next two weeks, and further tests are expected to take place in Italy later this year.
Kronos which is shaped like a manta ray and is capable of launching mini torpedoes or Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Designed for military, research, rescue, and underwater engineering purposes, the Kronos is 9.03 m long, 7.43 m wide, and 2.09 m high, enabling it to carry 11 people, including the pilot. Additional features can include 360° night-vision cameras, a sonar system, six lightweight torpedoes, and a lock-out chamber that enables divers to leave the craft without flooding the cabin. It has a diesel engine that gives it a top speed of 43 kt on the surface and a 1,200 hp electric motor for a submerged top speed of 27 kt, which says it is designed to operate at a depth of 100 m, with 250 m listed as its critical depth, and that its batteries last for up to 18 hours.
This armoured submersible has a highly advanced hydrodynamic design, offers high performance, exceptional efficiency and significantly reduces energy costs when submerged. It is a submarine that can accommodate a crew of eleven and has been developed by Highland Systems’ highly skilled design, research and development team. This hybrid vessel, which blends diesel and electric power, is suitable for a variety of operations, including rescue and combat operations. The submarine features an innovative hull design that significantly reduces fuel consumption, increases top speed and provides high surface stability. This brings a completely new concept to submarine production worldwide.
Highland Systems is an R&D and project management company which specializes in development and implementation of state-of-the-art technology into production. The company hold numerous International Patents and IP rights with R&D capabilities encompassing all aspects of innovation. Highland Systems holds numerous International Patents and IP rights with R&D capabilities encompassing all aspects of innovation, unparalleled technical expertise and advanced technology. The company specialize in integrating advanced technologies into products and use it to enhance and support manufacturing capabilities, increasing products efficiency and performance. The company design specialist wheeled and amphibious combat vehicles for military and security applications.
