Having already made a name for itself with several interesting innovations, such as the SSA-1101 Gerfaut, which allows a C-130 Hercules type transport aircraft to fire modular air-to-ground weapons [AASM], or the SEFIAM-1602, that is to say a device intended to facilitate the maintenance of combat aircraft and stealth drones, the company Turgis & Gaillard took the opportunity to unveil a new type of craft intended for special forces [and marine commandos in particular ], based on a new approach to hydrodynamics.
Thus, called « Kraken », this assault craft uses « variable buoyancy », which, according to Turgis & Gaillard, constitutes a « technological breakthrough » offering « more energy efficiency and better stability ».
« This promising innovation is the subject of fundamental research by the AA’ROK design office, with the support of the Public Investment Bank [BPI]. »
Thanks to this « variable buoyancy », the Kraken is able to navigate at a speed of 50 knots [90 km / h] while remaining stable and to cover 250 nautical miles [450 km], while being discreet, thanks to its electric propulsion. , which thus allows marine commandos to infiltrate without arousing the attention [no noise, no thermal signature and no odors].
The stability of this boat, due to the foils, offers the possibility of implementing a remotely operated cupola at high speed, including in heavy seas. Finally, it is able to “change environment”, ie it can “approach a beach and disembark a squad and its equipment there”, specifies Turgis & Gaillard, who insists on the range of missions that can be carried out. the Kraken [infiltration, interception, intelligence, counterterrorism, assault, etc.].
“Variable buoyancy is a major technological breakthrough that will revolutionize shipbuilding,” believes Christian Olivaux, program director at Turgis & Gaillard.
In the same vein, the start-up SEAir has indicated that it will launch, in October, a first semi-rigid with retractable foils intended for special forces, as part of the e-Flyco project, carried by the Defense innovation agency and Fuscol @ b, the maritime force incubator for marines and commandos [FORFUSCO].
Photos: Turgis & Gaillard