TADTE 2023: Thunder Tiger unveils autonomous underwater vehicle

The Seawolf 400 autonomous underwater vehicle, pictured above from TADTE 2023, is designed to perform underwater anti-mine; search-and-rescue; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)

Taiwan's Thunder Tiger Corp unveiled a prototype of the Seawolf 400 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition 2023 (TADTE 2023) held in Taipei from 14 to 16 September 2023.

Tony Chang, chief strategy officer, Thunder Tiger Corp, told Janes at the show that the showcased UAV is a working prototype currently under testing.

According to the company, the Seawolf 400 is designed for civilian and military applications such as surveillance and strike capabilities. The AUV supports underwater missions up to 200 m depth.

The length and weight of the AUV are 4,000 mm and 1,000 kg. The AUV is designed to protect infrastructure and perform underwater anti-mine operations; search-and-rescue operations; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Apart from the Seawolf, the company showcased a working prototype of the Sea Shark 400 autonomous unmanned surface vessel (USV) at the show.

The Sea Shark 400 is designed to conduct defence and security missions on the surface and it comprises navigation and propulsion systems, multiple sensors, and customisable payloads for specific mission requirements.

The vessel can be operated through remote control as well and it is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and communication relay tasks.

The length and maximum speed of the vessel are 3,840 mm and 80 km/h respectively. The USV is also under testing currently, Chang added.

Thunder Tiger also displayed its T-400 long-range helicopter, T-235 advanced helicopter, T-250AH Raptor, and Tettron TM-450 autonomous micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the show.