QinetiQ signs contract with Autonomous

Surface Vehicles

Farnborough, 17 July 2014: QinetiQ, as part of a new Marine Surface Target Service, has
signed a contract with Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV) for the supply and operational
support of autonomous surface target vessels.

QinetiQ sign a contract with Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV)
The partnership is part of a new initiative enabling QinetiQ's Marine Surface Target Service to
rapidly and effectively meet customer needs for trials and training against appropriate targets.
The Marine Surface Target Service is an innovative addition to the wider QinetiQ Target
Services, which offers aerial and underwater targets for real test, evaluation and training.
As part of this capability, QinetiQ, working closely with ASV, will supply a range of dynamic
surface targets to emulate the threat posed by Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC). With that threat
increasing, dynamic surface targets play an essential role in weapon trials and in the training of
Joint Operational teams.
With speeds of over 50 knots, the targets are fast and versatile and can be customised to meet
many trial or training requirements, including being fitted with Miss Distance Indication (MDI)
systems to provide accurate scoring. Precision tracking using high quality GPS can be provided
and thermal, radar and visual enhancements (such as mock weapons) can also be added. The
targets are deployable anywhere in the UK (integrated with the QinetiQ managed MOD Air and
Maritime Ranges for firing engagements) or worldwide, either in support of single campaigns or
as a long-term managed service.
The first QinetiQ-owned vessel to deliver this service is a C-Target 13, which has already seen
service in support of a number of contracts at MOD Aberporth for both towing and direct fire
engagements.
John Anderson, Managing Director for Weapons at QinetiQ, said; FIACs are a challenging
target to detect and defeat and QinetiQs new service can support all phases of weapon trials and
training, including seeker and sensor development, laser targeting and both air to surface and
surface to surface missile firings and gunnery. Deployable either manned or unmanned, the
vessels can also be used to tow a target. With an active involvement in all military environments,
QinetiQ has the necessary skills and experience to design, build and procure bespoke targets to
meet the needs of all three armed forces.
ASV design, build and operate unmanned marine vehicle systems for commercial, government
and military customers and have been working with QinetiQ for the past three years. Vince
Dobbin, Head of Business Development at ASV, said;
The requirement for surface targets has grown significantly over the last two years and QinetiQ
represents an important part of ASVs business. Having provided QinetiQ with nine vessels in
the last 18 months, this contract will enable ASV to support QinetiQ and their clients through a
simple and effective contracting mechanism.
Notes for Editors:
ASV Ltd, a UK company based near Portsmouth Harbour, provides a range of unmanned marine
services to military and security, science and research and oil and gas industries worldwide.
Formed in 1998, ASV provides rugged, reliable and effective unmanned systems using cutting
edge marine technology. http://www.asvglobal.com/
A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its domain knowledge to provide technical support and
know-how to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. QinetiQ's unique
position enables it to be a trusted partner to government organisations, predominantly in the UK
and the US, including defence departments, intelligence services and security agencies.
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