Invariant Corporation’s Surface-to-Air Kinetic Engagement (STAKE) system has once again demonstrated a significant advancement in autonomous maritime Counter Unmanned Systems (C-UxS) capabilities.
Invariant Corporation press release
Earlier this month, STAKE was integrated onto a Textron Systems’ TSUNAMI Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) and performed early integration testing at Lake Guntersville.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in the application of APKWS in the maritime domain. The success of the demonstration highlights the STAKE system’s versatility and performance in a highly dynamic, complex environment as well as Invariant’s C-UxS team’s commitment to advancing autonomous weapons development. STAKE, a modular system, can be integrated onto a variety of vehicles with minimal engineering.
STAKE’s maritime payloads consist of two core subsystems: the Hunter, which houses the sensor and laser designation package responsible for acquiring and tracking targets, and the Killer, the precision engagement platform. Together, as previously shown, the Hunter and Killer subsystems operate seamlessly in the maritime setting, confirming the system’s readiness for shipboard C-UxS mission, no matter the size.
“This successful demonstration represents a significant development and reflects Invariant’s position at the forefront of C-UxS innovation as well as kinetic maritime autonomy,” says President Danny Levis. “We are committed to advancing adaptable, high-performance systems that align with the Department of War’s objective to enhance lethality, especially in the maritime domain”.
The TSUNAMI USV provides advanced battlefield connectivity and mission agility to maritime mission sets while keeping warfighters out of harm’s way. With a MOSA design, the system is adaptable to a variety of mission sets and payload integrations. The TSUNAMI family of USVs benefit from over four decades of Textron Systems’ autonomous technology development and integration.
With this milestone, the STAKE team shows that its technology goes beyond computer models. Invariant is committed to not only supporting the fight where it is today, but advancing technology to be where the fight is going.