The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Zhuhai Airshow) opened on November 12, where China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) unveiled its 500-ton class large unmanned combat vessel, the “Orca,” for the first time, attracting widespread attention.
According to Chinese media reports, the “Orca,” officially named JARI-USV-A, has arrived at the unmanned vessel and drone demonstration area at the Zhuhai Airshow. With a total length of 58 meters, a beam of 23 meters, and a draft of 4 meters, it boasts an operational range of over 4,000 nautical miles. The “Orca” is a 500-ton class, high-speed stealth surface combat vessel designed for unmanned operations.
The “Orca” employs a trimaran hull design with diesel-electric dual-mode propulsion, enabling it to operate independently or alongside naval fleets in medium- to long-range combat. It possesses capabilities for beyond-visual-range strike, air defense, missile interception, anti-submarine warfare, and autonomous combat. Additionally, it can deploy drones and underwater unmanned vehicles for cross-domain, multi-dimensional operations.
The vessel’s powerful combat capabilities stem from its onboard weapon systems, including a universal vertical launch system, rocket payloads, anti-ship missile payloads, anti-air missile payloads, and a remotely controlled weapon station.
The “Orca” also features a helicopter deck and a phased-array radar, making it highly versatile in multi-mission combat. Equipped for air defense, anti-ship, and submarine detection, the “Orca” stands as a formidable “floating fortress” and an “all-around warrior” at sea.
