QinetiQ partners with ASV

QinetiQ announced that it has signed a contract with Autonomous Surface Vehicles to supply and support operations of autonomous surface target vessels.

The partnership is part of QinetiQ’s new Marine Surface Target Service, which offers targets for ‘real’ test environments, evaluations and training.

John Anderson, Managing Director for Weapons at QinetiQ, comments on how QinetiQ and ASV will supply the new line of Fast Inshore Attack Craft for test targets.

“FIACs are a challenging target to detect and defeat and QinetiQ’s 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,” Anderson said.

According to QinetiQ the targets are outfitted with Miss Distance Indication (MDI) systems, precision tracking and other QinetiQ integrations, deploying the fast-moving faux threats into MOD Air and Maritime Ranges for weapon trials and Joint Operational team training.

“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,” said Anderson.

Vince Dobbin, Head of Business Development at ASV, touches on the partnership.

“The requirement for surface targets has grown significantly over the last two years and QinetiQ represents an important part of ASV’s business,” said Dobbin. “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.”

The first QinetiQ-managed vessel to deliver this service is the ASV C-Target 13, applied to a number of contracts at MOD Aberporth for towing and direct fire.