China has tested the world’s first armed amphibious drone boat with success. Built by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, under China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), the drone ship ‘Marine Lizard’, passed delivery checks and left the factory on April 8.
With a maximum operation range of 1,200 kms, the Marine Lizard is able to be remotely controlled through satellites.
In its ship form, ‘Marine Lizard’ is a trimaran fueled by a diesel-powered hydrojet and is able to reach a maximum speed of 50 knots while also being stealth.
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What is more, four sets of tracks are located in the bottom of the hull fore and aft, which can be used for beach landings.
In addition, diesel-electric power gives the ship a top speed of about 12 miles per hour on land.
Local media reported that the vessel has two machine guns and launchers for anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles. It is aimed to be used in hard-environment beach assault operations.
Finally, the boat can wait on uninhabited islands for months, waiting a remote order to be activated.
