Duncan Looi
ZODIAC Milpro International has unveiled a new generation of uncrewed maritime platform designed for multi-mission operations–the EQUINOX 930 unmmaned surface vessel (USV).
Building on its recognised expertise in the design and production of military and professional boats, Zodiac Milpro is extending its know-how to uncrewed naval platforms. The EQUINOX 930 USV combines a robust, proven platform with a control architecture designed to integrate different autonomy systems and mission equipment. It marks a new milestone in the company’s development and reinforces its ambition to become a leading player in the autonomous surface vessel market.
In response to evolving operational requirements, naval forces are developing hybrid fleets combining crewed and uncrewed platforms. With the EQUINOX 930 USV, Zodiac Milpro aims to contribute to this transformation by offering a versatile platform suited to a wide range of missions, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), force protection, mine countermeasures (MCM) and hydrography, depending on its configuration and integrated equipment.
Measuring 9.3m in length and built from aluminium, the EQUINOX 930 USV can exceed 40 knots and offers a range of more than 600 nautical miles, depending on operating conditions. It also stands out for its air-droppable capability, providing greater flexibility for the most demanding maritime operations. The EQUINOX 930 USV adapts to a wide range of military and civil operations through its modular mission architecture and configurable payload systems.
Military missions
● Security & Escort: Harbour protection, escort, interdiction and anti-surface warfare
● Undersea & MCM: Mine countermeasures, ASW and seabed protection
● Air Defence & EW: Counter-UAV, air defence and electronic warfare
Civil missions
● Port Security: Harbour patrol, critical infrastructure protection and customs
● Firefighting & SAR: Marine firefighting, hazardous vessel intervention and rescue
● Hydrography & Survey: Bathymetric mapping, subsea inspection and environmental monitoring
Its design is built around three key pillars:
- Multi-mission modularity: A configurable mission bay and a dedicated aft deck allow interchangeable payloads of up to 800kg to be integrated, enabling the platform to be adapted to a wide range of missions. Its configurable central moonpool also facilitates the integration of specialised sensors, particularly for hydrography and mine countermeasures.
- Open and interoperable architecture: Zodiac Milpro’s Vessel Control System (VCS) enables the integration of different autonomy systems and mission equipment according to operational requirements. This approach provides greater freedom of technological choice and supports the evolution of the platform’s capabilities over time.
- Deployment flexibility: Designed to integrate with existing logistical assets, the EQUINOX 930 USV retains transport and launch standards compatible with existing infrastructure, including cradles and davits. Transportable in a 40-foot ISO container and air-droppable, it minimises the need for modifications and facilitates integration into existing operational frameworks. Stern deployment supports sonar buoys, towed arrays, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and mine countermeasure systems.
This approach makes it possible to adapt a single platform to different missions and evolve its capabilities as requirements change, without having to develop a dedicated vessel for each use.
At the heart of the EQUINOX 930 USV, the Zodiac Milpro VCS connects and interfaces with the vessel’s onboard systems, including propulsion, steering, pumps and fire detection. Through the Ground Control Station, operators can remotely control the vessel, program waypoints and monitor onboard systems and sensors. Vessel commands and sensor feeds can be transmitted through multiple communication channels including satellite, 4G / 5G, Wi-Fi and VHF. Cameras, radar, AIS and electronic charts provide operators with continuous situational awareness during remote operations.
This approach preserves technological choice and supports the evolution of the platform’s capabilities. Beyond its onboard systems, the EQUINOX 930 USV is designed to integrate into operational frameworks combining different crewed and uncrewed assets. By combining an open architecture with a platform designed to work with existing assets, Zodiac Milpro aims to contribute to the development of more flexible and interoperable hybrid fleets.
Development of the EQUINOX 930 USV draws on Zodiac Milpro’s international industrial capabilities, with five production sites in Spain, Canada, the United States, Germany and Australia. This organisation enables the Group to leverage established production capabilities to support the development of its activities and meet the needs of armed forces and maritime security operators.
Beyond design and production, Zodiac Milpro provides maintenance and training services to support customers in operating their platforms and maintaining them in operational condition. “Our strength lies in our ability to evolve alongside operational requirements. With EQUINOX, we are putting our expertise at the service of a new generation of autonomous naval capabilities, built around three key requirements: modularity, interoperability and responsiveness. Our priority remains unchanged: to stand alongside operators and provide them with practical solutions tailored to the missions of today and tomorrow,” says Zodiac Milpro Group President Guillaume Laurin.-–shp/adj/dl (Pix:ZODIAC MILPRO)
