ORKA UAS

ORKA utilises CiS’s patented BEACON deck recognition technology to achieve fully autonomous launch and recovery from moving FLANQ USVs without human intervention. The system automatically identifies the landing platform, compensates for vessel motion caused by waves and sea state, and executes precision touchdowns in challenging maritime conditions. This capability was demonstrated at REPMUS 2025 – head to our media section to read more.

Combined with the automated hangar system, ORKA can be mission-ready in just 10 seconds, enabling rapid response to time-sensitive intelligence requirements whilst maintaining continuous operational availability through quick charging cycles.

The FLANQ-CiS cooperative autonomy creates force-multiplying capabilities impossible with single-domain platforms. Whilst the FLANQ USV maintains persistent surface presence for extended periods, ORKA extends sensor reach over-the-horizon, providing elevated vantage points for early threat detection. This multi-domain approach enables simultaneous surface and aerial surveillance without crew risk, particularly valuable for monitoring critical energy infrastructure, tracking shadow fleet vessels operating in contested areas, and maintaining coverage in regions where traditional crewed platforms face operational or political constraints.

ORKA delivers up to 75 minutes flight endurance whilst carrying a full 5.0 kg mission payload, enabling extended surveillance operations before returning to the USV for automated recovery and recharging. Communication range extends up to 100 km via mesh networking between multiple platforms, or effectively infinite range when utilising satellite communications. The system operates reliably in winds up to 14 m/s (Level 7 Beaufort) with a service ceiling of 3,000 metres. This performance envelope, combined with the USV’s enduring surface presence, enables continuous area coverage through successive launch-recover-recharge cycles without requiring shore-based support infrastructure.

F

Yes, ORKA incorporates multiple capabilities specifically designed for operations in degraded or denied environments. The system features GNSS-denied navigation modes enabling return home, route following, hover, and landing functions without satellite positioning. Dual RTK GNSS antennas provide enhanced accuracy when satellite signals are available, whilst alternative navigation methods ensure mission completion when they’re not. The platform supports multiple communication architectures including systems from DTC, and fibre optic tethered operations up to 120 metres altitude for scenarios requiring guaranteed connectivity.