At
Sea-Air-Space 2015, Boeing and its partner Liquid Robotics are showcasing
a new solution for maritime security that enables continuous monitoring
and communications solutions from seafloor to space, the Sensor Hosting
Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC). The SHARCs is based on Liquid Robotics'
Wave Glider SV3, a unique wave and solar propelled 2 parts system (one
on the surface, the other under water). |
The
Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft delivers continuous maritime
intelligence, surveillance, and reconaissance missions for up to a year
without refueling or servicing. Liquid Robotics' innovative, wave- and
solar-powered propulsion system, combined with Boeing's advanced sensors,
integrate to provide a completely new way to connect assets from seafloor
to space.
In September 2014, Boeing and Liquid Robotics signed a multi-year agreement
to enhance the unmanned marine vessel’s capabilities. |
Its
ability to conduct continuous patrols using autonomous navigation, gives
SHARC unique access to undersea, air and space domains. It requires
only a single, shore-side operator to monitor and controle large fleets.
To date, more than 50 sensors have been tested and integrated on SHARC,
including Automated Idenfitication System (AIS), acoustic sensors, electromagnetic
sensors, and imaging systems. SHARC's on-board architecture, commercial
standards and modular configuration allows rapid integration of advanced
technologies and innovative payloads.
During AAD 2014 (defense show in South Africa which Navy Recognition
was covering), a Liquid Robotics representative told us 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 |
