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Naval
Defenes Industry News - USA |
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Liquid
Robotics showcased its Wave Glider SV3 wave and solar powered USV/UUV
at AAD 2014 |
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At AAD 2014 (Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition which took place
from the 17 to 21 September in South Africa) US company Liquid Robotics
was showcasing its revolutionary Wave Glider SV3 hybrid unmanned underwater
vehicles (UUV) / unmanned surface vehicle. The Wave Glider is a unique
wave and solar propelled 2 parts system (one on the surface, the other
under water). |
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Liquid Robotics was showcasing its Wave Glider SV3 UUV at AAD 2014 |
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According
to Liquid Robotics, The SV3 incorporates the latest advancements in
energy harvesting technology and its innovative propulsion and energy
systems help customers explore portions of the world’s oceans
in which it was previously too challenging or costly to operate.
The SV3 features technologies
such as real-time onboard processing of large data sets, a flexible
power and storage system designed for “power hungry” sensors,
and an adaptable operating system designed for intelligent autonomy
to enable coordinated fleet operations.
Operating individually or in fleets, the Wave Glider SV3 enables 24/7/365,
all-weather operations at a daily cost of up to 90 percent less than
today’s data collection alternatives, while complementing and
improving the efficiency of ships, buoys, satellites and aircraft. |
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The Wave Glider is a unique wave and solar propelled 2 parts system
(one on the surface, the other under water). Image: Liquid Robotics |
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Defense
Applications
A Liquid Robotics representative attending AAD 2014 told Navy
Recognition that the Wave Glider SV3 is already in use with many
navies around the world including the U.S. Navy (which has around 30
units), the Royal Australian Navy (which operates 6 of these unmanned
vehicles), the Royal Norwegian Navy and even NATO.
The U.S. Navy deploys the Wave Glider SV3 for a number of missions including:
» Information Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)
» Underwater Terrain Mapping
» Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW - The system is then fitted with
a towed array)
» Underwater relay
» Data link relay
The Wave Glider SV3 can operate for years at sea with no fuel,
including in severe weather (e.g. hurricanes or Sea State 8) which makes
it a perfect persistent platform. Its average continuous speed is 2
knots which allows it to cover 100 nautical miles in 3 days. Its payload
capacity is 45 Kg (100 lbs).
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An
underwater view of Liquid Robotics’ SHARC, a wave-powered, autonomous
ocean vehicle for persistent surveillance and communications. Photo: Liquid
Robotics