AUV for Sustained Riverine and Littoral Assessments

This Phase II proposal is to develop a basic mobile gateway buoy acoustic communications USV relay into a more robust versatile multifunction all weather manned aircraft operable unmanned surface vehicle (USV). This program proposes to look at transition to use from Navy Aircraft with eventual NAVAIR Flight Certification and to focus on integrating key sensor systems to enhance open ocean operations in areas that can contain both civilian and hostile seafaring traffic. Payload packages that provide see and avoid, automated tactical evasion, counter hijacking, and or counter vandalizing will be first priority. Payloads that enhance performance and mission capabilities and flexibility will also be evaluated. Work tasks improving existing subsystem components such as power, propulsion, onboard processing, integrated control software, and capability to operate from manned Navy Aircraft will also be performed including development of NAVAIR certified control station.