Developed as part of a joint programme within BAE Systems, Talisman is the marine derivative of a family of intelligent autonomous systems covering land, air and sea domains.
NEC
With network enabled capability, Talisman is able to be linked into a network of unmanned asset and combat system elements providing a complete unmanned fleet capable of multiple operational requirements.
Multi-role approach
Common system elements for autonomy and communications, coupled with a reconfigurable structure, enable mission flexibility and provide for a wide range of military capabilities.
Designed to operate in littoral waters from vessels of opportunity, Talisman interfaces for single shot vehicles, such as Archerfish and survey vehicles, enable the extension of capability for a wide range of mine counter-measures (MCM), survey and oceanographic tasks.
Design
The free-flooding hull and internal pressure vessels containing the electronics systems and payloads are manufactured from lightweight carbon fibre composite. Communications to and from the vehicle are via WiFi or Iridium SatCom whilst surfaced, or acoustic communications when submerged. Mission parameters can be preconfigured prior to launch with full operator intervention facility throughout the mission.
Talisman autonomously navigates to a high degree of accuracy during its mission, typically 5 metres. Propulsion and control is by means of externally mounted vectorable thrusters’ pods, whilst the manoeuvring controller provides a full hovering and 360 ° turn capacity.
The basic collision avoidance system is being extended to implement sophisticated technology from the BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre with algorithms developed for unmanned ground vehicles. This will enable incorporation of decentralised data fusion and shared situational awareness techniques from the community of UK research organisations including the SEAS DTC.
A full suite of batteries provides endurance of up to 24-hours. This is enabled due to the hybrid diesel propulsion system which will, long term, push endurance to several days.
Payloads
Talisman carries both integrated and variable payloads and as standard is equipped with a suite of environmental sensors. Payload options are mission or role specific and include sonar systems and other UUVs such as Archerfish (hyperlink to relevant page).
Future
The Talisman programme is continually evolving, integrating innovative technology from a range of UK suppliers in a complete systems approach. Talisman will become both a technology demonstrator for the UK and a military capability demonstrator to support the MoD.
