Couach debuts Magellan surface drone at Eurosatory 2024.

At Eurosatory 2024, the French firm Couach unveiled its surface drone, the MAGELLAN. This drone, initially introduced at Euronaval 2022, is designed to address the diverse and evolving needs of modern naval operations.
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Couach 0600 unmanned surface vessel, Magellan. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The Couach 0600 surface drone, named MAGELLAN, represents the Couach shipyard's first foray into the field of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Unveiled at Euronaval 2022, this drone is designed for a variety of missions, including electronic warfare, information gathering, target detection and identification, and surface and underwater surveillance and reconnaissance.

The MAGELLAN is distinguished by its carbon and Kevlar composite hull, conferring robustness and adaptability to demanding maritime conditions. Measuring six meters in length and 1.3 meters in width, the drone has a displacement of 1,000 to 1,200 kilograms.

It is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system based on a 13 kW microturbine, enabling it to navigate for five days at a speed of six knots, with a reduced noise signature for enhanced discretion.

Technological modularity is a key aspect of the MAGELLAN, which can carry a payload of over 500 liters, enabling the integration of a variety of equipment chosen by the end-user, such as acoustic buoys or electronic warfare modules (ESM). The drone also includes a mission planning module and a control center that can be based on land or on board a ship, ensuring mission follow-up.

This drone has been designed to be easily transported in a standard 20-foot container, and retrievable without assistance, thanks to its retractable mast and lifting hook. This design reflects Couach's expertise in composite shipbuilding, applied here for the first time in the field of drones.