View source for Protector USV

{{Short description|Israeli unmanned surface vehicle}}
[[File:Republic of Singapore Navy Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle on display at the National Museum of Singapore - 20140223.jpg|thumb|A Protector USV on display at the [[National Museum of Singapore]] in February 2014]]

The '''Protector''' [[unmanned surface vehicle]] (USV) was developed by the Israeli [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]] in response to emerging [[terrorist]] threats against maritime assets such as the [[USS Cole bombing|USS ''Cole'' bombing]], and is the first operational combat USV in service. It is fitted with a [[Typhoon Weapon Station|Mini Typhoon Weapon Station]]. In 2005, it was deployed by the [[Singapore Navy]] to support coalition forces in the [[Persian Gulf]], and was later deployed for anti-piracy duties in the [[Gulf of Aden]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Protector |work=Defence Updates |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/p/protector.htm |accessdate=2007-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503115143/http://www.defense-update.com/products/p/protector.htm |archive-date=3 May 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2012, Rafael announced that they were building a larger (11 metre) version of the Protector, that would have a greater range, and be equipped with a wider range of weaponry.<ref>[http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=426&ArticleID=814 Rafael Develops 11m Protector] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604075137/http://israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=426&ArticleID=814 |date=4 June 2012 }} IsraelDefense.com  18/1/2012</ref>

==Features==
[[File:Rafael Protector.jpg|thumb|1:6 scale model of Protector USV]]

Based on a 9-metre (30-foot) [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]], the Protector is stealthy, fast and highly maneuverable. The vessel's low profile upper structure is sealed and aerodynamic, and its [[Modularity|modular]] platform design allows it to be reconfigured to meet changing mission requirements, such as [[force protection]], anti-terror, surveillance and reconnaissance, mine and electronic warfare.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle | work=Gizmag | date=17 August 2006 |url=http://www.gizmag.com/go/6023/ |accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref> The hull is a deep V-shaped planing hull, with the inflatable section providing stability and endurance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Protector |work=Israeli Weapons |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/protector/Protector.html |accessdate=2007-04-21 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070329024450/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/protector/Protector.html |archivedate = 29 March 2007}}</ref> A single diesel engine drives water jets, allowing speeds of {{convert|50|kn|lk=in|1}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A New Generation |work=Navy League of the United States |url=http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/jul06-26.php |accessdate=2007-04-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129225750/http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/jul06-26.php |archivedate=29 November 2006 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The Protector offers enhanced [[surveillance]], identification and interception capabilities. It is equipped with a [[Typhoon Weapon System#Mini Typhoon|Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system]], a TOPLITE [[electro-optic]] surveillance and targeting system with day and night targeting capabilities through the use of [[forward looking infrared]], [[charge-coupled device]]s and [[laser rangefinder]]s, as well as a [[public address system]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle |work=Rafael |url=http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/3/633.pdf |accessdate=2007-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924084503/http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/3/633.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Protector is remotely controlled and can be operated with guidance from a commander and operator located ashore or aboard a manned vessel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle |work=Discovery Channel |url=http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/future-weapons/weapons/zone2/protector-usv.html |accessdate=2007-04-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118062628/http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/future-weapons/weapons/zone2/protector-usv.html |archivedate=18 January 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This allows it to provide the first line of defense, inspecting vessels of interest while personnel and capital assets are held at a safe distance.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}

==Deployment==
The Protector was deployed by the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]] together with its [[Endurance class landing platform dock ship|''Endurance'' class landing platform dock ship]]s to the [[Persian Gulf|North Persian Gulf]] for [[peacekeeping]] operations in 2005, where it performed surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as force protection duties for more than eight hours at a time.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Next Wave |work=MINDEF |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/3g_saf/2005/features/may05_cs.html |accessdate=2007-04-21}}</ref>

In 2006, [[BAE Systems]], [[Lockheed Martin]] and Rafael demonstrated the Protector's force protection capabilities to the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Coast Guard]] and other maritime security agencies at the [[United States Special Operations Command]] trade show in [[Tampa Bay]], [[Florida]], as part of the [[littoral combat ship]] and [[Integrated Deepwater System Program]] programs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle |work=BAE Systems |url=http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/protector_unmanned_survace_veh.html |accessdate=2007-04-21 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070510153843/http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/protector_unmanned_survace_veh.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 10 May 2007}}</ref>

==General specifications==
*Displacement: 4 tonnes
*Length: {{convert|9|m|ftin|1}}
*Beam: 3.5m
*Draft: 0.45m
*Engine: [[Diesel fuel|Diesel]]
*Propulsion: [[Pump-jet|Water jet]]
*Speed: {{convert|50|kn|1}}
*Range: 400&nbsp;nm @ 30 Knots
*Cost per unit: $3,175,000
*Navigation: [[Radar]], [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] and [[Inertial navigation system|INS]]
*Sensors: TOPLITE electro-optic surveillance and targeting system (incorporating [[forward looking infrared|FLIR]], Digital [[charge-coupled device|CCD]] surveillance camera and [[laser rangefinder]]s)
*Armament: [[Typhoon Weapon System#Mini Typhoon|Mini-Typhoon stabilized weapon system]]

==Operators==
[[File:Protector operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with Protector operators in blue]]

===Current operators===
*{{ISR}}: [[Israeli Navy]]
*{{SGP}}: [[Republic of Singapore Navy]]
*{{MEX}}: [[Mexican Navy]]{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Protector USV}}
*[http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/news.aspx?FolderID=466&docID=1425 RAFAEL: Protector USV]
*[http://www.mindef.gov.sg/content/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/navy/assets/unmannedsurfacevehicles.html Protector's fact file from Republic of Singapore Navy's website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214124549/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/content/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/navy/assets/unmannedsurfacevehicles.html |date=14 February 2014 }}
;Video link
*{{YouTube|flXo4cApt8|Official video release of Protector USV}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}

{{Rafael Advanced Defense Systems}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Protector Usv}}
[[Category:Lockheed Martin]]
[[Category:Naval ships of Israel]]
[[Category:Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]
[[Category:Unmanned surface vehicles of Israel]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s]]