Invariant Corporation announced that its Surface-to-Air Kinetic Engagement, or STAKE, system has successfully completed early maritime integration testing, marking a new step in the company’s autonomous counter-unmanned systems capabilities.
Earlier this month, the STAKE system was integrated onto Textron Systems’ TSUNAMI-R Unmanned Surface Vessel and tested at Lake Guntersville, according to the company.
The demonstration highlighted the system’s ability to operate in a maritime environment and represents an expansion of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS, into the maritime domain, company officials said.
STAKE is a modular system designed to integrate onto a range of vehicles with minimal engineering. Its maritime configuration includes two primary subsystems: the “Hunter,” which houses sensors and a laser designation package used to acquire and track targets, and the “Killer,” a precision engagement platform. Together, the subsystems are designed to support shipboard counter-unmanned systems missions.
“This successful demonstration represents a significant development and reflects Invariant’s position at the forefront of C-UxS innovation as well as kinetic maritime autonomy,” said Danny Levis, president of Invariant Corporation. “We are committed to advancing adaptable, high-performance systems that align with the Department of War’s objective to enhance lethality, especially in the maritime domain.”
The TSUNAMI-R unmanned surface vessel is designed to provide battlefield connectivity and mission flexibility while reducing risk to service members. The vessel features a Modular Open Systems Approach design, allowing it to adapt to various mission sets and payload integrations. Textron Systems officials have said the TSUNAMI family builds on more than four decades of autonomous technology development.
Invariant, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Huntsville, is a 100% employee-owned company providing engineering and software solutions to clients across the Department of Defense. The company specializes in hardware and sensor development, prototyping and custom software solutions.
Company officials said the recent milestone demonstrates that the STAKE system has progressed beyond modeling and into real-world maritime testing, supporting evolving defense mission requirements.
