Inspector 125 French Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

Inspector 125

Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

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Basic Information

Name

Inspector 125 French Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

Designation

Inspector 125

Alternate Designation

Inspector 125

Equipment Type

Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

Manufacturer

Exail

Date of Introduction

2019

Description

The Inspector 125 French Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) is a multi-purpose, heavy unmanned surface vehicle (USV) produced by Exail (formerly ECA Group) in partnership with MAURIC, a subsidiary specializing in advanced marine vessel design. The hull of the Inspector 125 is derived from the V2 NG rescue boat platform, originally developed by MAURIC for the French sea rescue service (SNSM). This established design provides high levels of robustness and reliability, as demonstrated by its deployment across over 20 operational units conducting demanding search-and-rescue missions. The Inspector 125 is engineered to perform the following primary mission sets: Mine Countermeasures (MCM): detection, classification, identification, and neutralization of naval mines; Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): submarine detection and tracking operations; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): extended area surveillance and intelligence gathering; Oceanographic Survey: seafloor mapping and environmental assessment; Infrastructure Protection: port and coastal security operations; Force Support and Protection: escort and protective operations for larger vessels.

Naval & Littoral Specifications

Beam 4.20 m

Draft 0.70 m

System

Alternative Designation Inspector 125

Type Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

Builder Exail

Crew Unmanned

Payload Capacity The Inspector 125's primary operational advantage lies in its substantial payload carrying capacity of approximately 2.5 tons, with maximum rated payload reaching 2.5–3 tons. The large aft deck and modular architecture allow for diverse mission configurations.

Payload Configurations Mine Countermeasures: Two Seascan ROVs and six K-STER C mine identification and neutralization ROVs operating simultaneously. Autonomous Systems: A18-M Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for seafloor survey and mine detection. Towed Systems: T18-M or T18 towed sonars with Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS). ISR Sensors: Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, mine obstacle avoidance sonar (MOAS), containerized command and control stations. The vessel features a dronization kit enabling it to function as a carrier platform, launching and recovering multiple unmanned systems while providing operational support during their missions.

Autonomous and Control Systems The Inspector 125 integrates three operational modes: remote-controlled, fully autonomous, and manual (on-board steering). It incorporates the Unmanned Maritime Integrated System (UMIS) and UMISOFT software suite developed by ECA Group, providing: Autonomous navigation with obstacle avoidance in compliance with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs); Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar (MOAS) for detection and classification of both surface and deep-water threats; Operational autonomy at standoff distances up to 18 nautical miles from a mothership, extendable via SKELDAR V-200 UAV communication relay.

Dimensions

Length 12.3 m

Beam 4.2 m

Height 3.8 m

Draft 0.7 m

Displacement, Full Load 13.5 tons

Propulsion System

Engine Name INA

Engine Type The Inspector 125 is equipped with two 410-horsepower engines driving two hydro-jets. For missions requiring enhanced towing capabilities, the system can be reconfigured with two shaft lines and propellers instead of hydro-jets. This flexibility is particularly important for operations requiring towing of mine-sweeping systems or large sonars.

Engine Power 2 x 410 hp

Maximum Range 12 nautical miles in remote control mode (extendable via communication relay)

Maximum Speed 25 knots

Endurance Up to 40 hours at sea at nominal speeds between 3–20 knots.

Sea State Capability Unmanned operations up to sea state 4; manned operations up to sea state 5.

Anti-Roll System Reduces roll by 40%, improving stability for launch and recovery operations.

Protection

Hull The hull is constructed from either glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) or marine-grade aluminium, designed with an operational lifespan of 15 years. A critical feature is the unsinkable design, achieved through foamed compartments that ensure the vessel maintains buoyancy even after suffering mine explosions or other battle damage.

Countermeasures INA

NBC Water Washdown System No

Image Sources

Notes https://www.exail.com/product/inspector-125-unmanned-surface-vehicle

Details

Country of Origin France

Category Naval

Naval

Classification

Domain

Naval & Littoral

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

12.3 m

Width

4.2 m

Height

3.8 m

Weight

13500 kg

Operators (3)

France

Belgium

Netherlands

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