From guns to jamming systems, to launching fog, today’s superyacht is becoming a formidable military machine.
In addition to being immersed in the vast natural surroundings, the highlight of the superyacht is the bond between the captain and the crew as well as the newly added technologies and amenities for comfort and safety. for all the important guests.
But from another perspective, we are sitting on luxury property, floating to the outback with cocktails in hand, which attracts the attention of pirates, paparazzi visiting the super yacht.
That’s what’s happening in Venezuela and Trinidad, two areas that were previously safe for yachts but are now on the red list due to increasing piracy.
According to statistics of the International Maritime Authority (IMB), which oversees security at sea, the number of kidnapping attacks at sea worldwide in 2020 is 135 cases, of which the Gulf of Guinea alone has occurred. up to 130 cases.
Faced with dangers that are always lurking, many yacht owners have spent millions of dollars to install military technology on large superyachts.
From secret escape compartments to the best non-lethal weapons. Here are the top 9 devices that are currently being used to deter pirates as well as uninvited guests.
1. Long Range Sound Generator (LRAD): A non-lethal sound generator that uses a beam of sound with an intensity beyond human tolerance (up to 155dB) to cause pain, direction, and pain. for the purpose of banishment.
The LRAD system has been installed on US Navy ships patrolling in the port of Basra, Iraq to communicate and warn ships traveling around oil facilities.
2 . Sonar system (by Sonardyne): Capable of detecting, tracking and identifying divers and underwater vehicles approaching the superyacht from any direction to alert security personnel of the threat threaten.
It is capable of identifying targets at a range of up to 1,200 meters. Sonardyne also offers the similar DDS-03 Diver Detection System but is used primarily for the navy.
3 . Sparrowhawk Anti-Drone System: Detects and identifies commercial drones within 20 km, providing GPS positioning of both drones, their speed and direction .
When the drone threatens, the system will allow to create an electronic “noise zone” with a radius of more than 500m around the superyacht. If the drone approaches this “interference zone”, the control signal will be intercepted and forced to land or turn around.
Sparrowhawk also offers an automated anti-drone device designed to safely capture and capture them.
4. GOST Cloak stealth system: Designed to provide protection for the limited time from triggering an alarm to when the response team arrives on the scene. The Cloak fog covered the area with a cloud of smoke, confusing the intruder and forcing him to retreat. Organic fumes are produced by a special glycol solution, which reduces visibility to less than 1m.
5. Armored escape rooms: Escape rooms are increasingly popular in many superyachts today. It is equipped with ventilation, water, food and communication systems.
The developers are also trying to create a Life-Pod escape room that features a highly impact-resistant shell with temperature control, global positioning system integration, watertight, fireproof, and air filtration. .
6 . MAST Exterior Locking Systems: Provides marine security systems and services including locks and sensors to lock out all controls used on the yacht.
7 . Surveillance Robot: Throwbot® 2 is a micro-robot that allows operators to capture instant video and audio monitoring. It is useful for anti-piracy operations, where a remotely controlled robot will board a ship and send back footage. Low light is also not an issue as the Throwbot® 2 has an infrared illuminator for video recording in complete darkness.
8 . Running Gear Entanglement System: A hand-held system capable of releasing a spectrum that restricts the movement of approaching boats.
9 . Dazzle Dazzle Gun: A laser weapon that uses blue light to disorient and temporarily blind pirates. It can be used both day and night and is authorized by the authorities.
With the increasing security demand from superyacht owners, military technologies are being applied more commonly to protect their voyages.
