Ukraine's Depthon Systems Unveils SeaHive 5.0: An Offshore Mobile Drone Launch Platform
Ukrainian defense tech firm Depthon Systems has officially unveiled the SeaHive 5.0, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed as a mobile offshore drone launch platform. The 5-meter hull carries up to 250 kg of payload, reaches speeds of 74 km/h, and offers a 72-hour endurance with a maximum range of 556 km. Its modular deck accommodates up to six drone containers, typically configured with five attack drones and one relay/reconnaissance drone, with the Hurtang-10 loitering munition as the primary strike weapon.
Highlights
- Depthon Systems' SeaHive 5.0 is a 5-meter USV with a top speed of 74 km/h, 72-hour endurance, and a maximum range of 556 km.
- The vessel's modular deck holds up to six drone containers, with a standard combat load of five Hurtang-10 loitering munitions and one relay/reconnaissance drone.
- The Hurtang-10 loitering munition carries a 2–3 kg warhead, flies at up to 140 km/h, and can strike targets up to 40 km from the launch point.
- An onboard relay drone provides BVLOS communications, allowing attack drones to operate beyond the SeaHive 5.0's direct radio range.
- The SeaHive 5.0 reflects Ukraine's strategy of using low-cost unmanned platforms to extend naval drone strike depth into offshore waters.
Ukrainian defense technology company Depthon Systems has officially introduced the SeaHive 5.0, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) designed specifically for maritime drone warfare and positioned as a mobile offshore drone deployment platform.
Core Specifications
The SeaHive 5.0 measures 5 meters in length, with a maximum payload capacity of 250 kg, a top speed of approximately 74 km/h, an endurance of 72 hours, and a maximum operational range of 556 km.
Modular Deck and Armament Configuration
The vessel features a modular deck design capable of housing up to six drone containers. The typical combat loadout consists of:
- 5 attack drones
- 1 relay or reconnaissance drone
The primary strike weapon is the Hurtang-10 loitering munition, with reported specifications as follows:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Payload weight | 2–3 kg |
| Top speed | 140 km/h |
| Maximum strike range | 40 km from launch point |
Navigation and Communications
According to the manufacturer, the SeaHive 5.0 uses a combination of GNSS satellite navigation and an Inertial Navigation System (INS) for guidance, while communications are maintained via an encrypted data link.
The platform's core design philosophy centers on moving the launch position offshore to extend the operational depth of drone forces. An onboard dedicated relay drone provides Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) communications capability, enabling attack drones to operate beyond the vessel's radio line of sight.
Operational Concept and Limitations
The central concept of the SeaHive 5.0 is not the vessel itself, but its role as a mobile maritime drone carrier. However, overall operational effectiveness remains subject to several factors, including:
- Sea state and weather conditions
- Hull stability during drone launch
- Relay drone endurance (reported maximum loiter time: 45 minutes)
This development reflects Ukraine's continued deepening of integrated maritime unmanned systems capabilities, and further validates the strategic potential of low-cost autonomous platforms in modern naval warfare.
Source: PayloadUAV
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