Exail sells DriX H-9 long-range USV to undisclosed Global Hydrographic Authority

French firm Exail has made the launch sale of its new long-range Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV), the DriX H-9, to an undisclosed leading global hydrographic authority. This milestone marks the successful expansion of Exail’s portfolio of autonomous solutions for both commercial and defence markets, reinforcing its position as a key player in the rapidly growing USV sector, the company says. The DriX H-9 is scheduled to be delivered in 2026.

Building on the success of the DriX H-8, the new H-9 model delivers up to 20 days of autonomous endurance, increased payload capacity and enhanced flexibility to support a wide range of maritime missions, Exail adds. Designed to address the growing demand for persistent, over-the-horizon (OTH) surveys, the DriX H-9 minimizes offshore logistics while extending operational reach, key requirements in sectors such as offshore energy and subsea infrastructure and naval surveillance.

“With this sale of the H-9, alongside the recent success of the DriX O-16, the DriX series is becoming a true reality at sea — enabling operations from shallow to deep waters, with expanding endurance, the ability to embark a wide range of sensors, and the capability to launch and recover various assets,” said Sébastien Grall, Exail’s Head of Maritime Autonomy Activity.

The H-9 can carry multiple geophysical sensors simultaneously, such as side-scan sonar, magnetometer, multi-beam echo sounder and sub-bottom profilers. Its aft launch and recovery system enables deployment of towed sensors and inspection class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), supporting tasks such as seabed mapping and infrastructure inspection. An adaptable mast allows integration of additional sensors such as optical systems and advanced communications equipment, for maritime domain awareness missions.Like the DriX H-8, the H-9 features a gondola architecture optimized for hydroacoustic sensors, ensuring high-quality, stable data collection. A common architecture framework across the DriX Series further simplifies fleet integration, enabling shared spares and streamlined maintenance, the company says.