China unveils revolutionary Nezha-SeaDart hybrid aerial underwater vehicle for cross-domain missions.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) has introduced a groundbreaking hybrid aerial underwater vehicle (HAUV) named Nezha-SeaDart. Capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) from both land and water.
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The hybrid aerial underwater vehicle or HAUV called Nezha-SeaDart. (Picture source: Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

The Nezha-SeaDart can transition seamlessly between air and water environments, making it highly versatile for various applications. It employs a sophisticated design that allows it to take off and land vertically, operate underwater autonomously, and re-emerge without the need for a dedicated propulsion system.

This HAUV leverages lift generated by its wings to cruise in the air, and its underwater operations are powered by a combination of aerial propellers and underwater thrusters.

The Nezha-SeaDart is expected to play a crucial role in marine scientific research, environmental monitoring, and maritime emergency search and rescue missions. During a 10-day field test in Zhejiang Province's Thousand Islands Lake, the vehicle successfully demonstrated its ability to conduct complex missions across different environments.

This innovative vehicle follows the development of the Nezha-IV, another HAUV that has proven robust in various tests, including operations under rough sea conditions. The Nezha-IV can operate at depths of up to 50 meters, hover in the air for 15 minutes, and cruise at speeds of 10 m/s for distances of over 7 kilometers​​.

One of the most notable features of the Nezha-SeaDart is its autonomous control technology, which allows for remote deployment and operation. This technology enables the HAUV to be launched from either onshore or offshore platforms, navigate to target areas autonomously, perform its missions, and return to designated recovery points, thus minimizing human intervention and operational costs.