Using advanced wave-piercing hull designs derived from concepts that have caused revolutions in surface craft industries in the last few years, Warrior's new designs have enabled fundamental capacity, payload-range and seaworthiness advantages over and above all other published seaplane forms. They have led to the development of the GULL series of seaplane UAVs which will take off from and land on water, in a wide range of sea conditions. They have the potential to resolve major issues of UAV operation from inland and from coast or ship, while adding value through providing both surface and airborne functions at destination.
- Quick response, long-range surface operations. With their high cruise efficiency in relation to helicopters and surface vehicles, GULL UAVs enable quick-response long-range surface operations that are currently too risky or have not previously been possible or cost-effective.
- Precision payload delivery. The GULL can carry devices or supplies to precise coastal, maritime, or fresh water locations.
- Long surface dwell capability. The GULL can serve long endurance missions with the ability to hold position on water for sustained periods, performing persistent surveillance and detection roles.
- Covert operations with minimum radar signature. With the ability to land offshore and approach hostile situations stealthily, and with less noise and minimal radar signature in relation to rotorcraft, covert operations can be significantly more effective and successful.
- Multiple surface waypoints. The GULL has the ability to land and function at a series of waypoints on water in any single operation, increasing versatility and effectiveness.
- Amphibious operations. Where land-based as well as water operations are required a retractable undercarriage may be fitted to provide a fully amphibious capability.
- Multitasking benefits. The GULL can perform several functions in series in a single operation, from high speed cruise, to slow high aerial loiter, to close inspection for identification, to (landing on water) persistent surface-based observation or detection (using above and below surface sensors), then airborne again to relocate. These have major implications in achieving automated multi-function tasks with:
- a minimum of time
- a minimum of systems and platforms
- a greater effectiveness due to spontaneity
- a minimum of data transmission and communication