TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology held an unmanned surface vehicle display Tuesday at Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co.'s factory in Yilan.
Twelve domestic and international companies showcased their products at the event. Taiwanese firms Thunder Tiger, Carbon-Based Technology, and Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. also conducted live demonstrations of their USVs off the coast of Suao Township. The institute used drones to film footage of the sea trials, per CNA.
Carbon-Based Technology showcased its Carbon Seeker I, a USV approximately two meters long. The company said the vehicle, made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and coated with stealth paint, can reduce the risk of enemy detection by about 90%.
The Carbon Seeker I can carry up to 100 kg of payload and is equipped with a remote-control system, the company said. It also supports autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and long-range communication within a 60-km radius.
Thunder Tiger also tested its SeaShark 800 USV during the demonstration. Measuring around eight meters in length, the vessel is an attack drone capable of carrying explosives and operating via long-range remote control, the company said.
The SeaShark 800 features an aluminum hull with a stealth coating and is capable of withstanding strong winds. It can reach a top speed of 92.6 kph with a 600 km range. The vessel is also integrated with the company's swarm control system, enabling coordinated operations among multiple unmanned boats.
Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co.'s Black Tide unmanned boat demonstrated its top speed of 81.5 kph during the demonstration. It is equipped with sensors and an AI-powered operating interface, supports communications, and is suitable for reconnaissance and attack missions.
Officials from the Coast Guard Administration, the Ministry of National Defense, and the American Institute in Taiwan also attended the event. National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology Director General Lee Shih-chiang (李世強) said that unmanned vehicles have played a critical role in the Russia-Ukraine war. He noted the government plans to allocate a budget next year for the procurement of USVs.
The event aimed to promote technological and commercial collaboration among companies, the institute added. It also plans to compile specifications and performance data of the showcased products to provide to domestic entities looking to procure USVs.
