Dynamic Compensation System for Towed Bodies

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) will be a part of the Navy’s future capabilities. Navatek has design, built and delievered two USV’s to General Dynamics Robotics Systems (GDRS). The towing performance of these vehicles can be greatly improved with an Aft Lifting Body (ALB). The benefits of an ALB on boat motions have already been demonstrated on a boat similar in size to the USV. The primary objective of this Phase II effort is to test an ALB on a USV hull while towing a Navy tow body simulator. Early testing will be performed without towing a body to show that the ALB will decrease the motions of the USV. To accomplish this the propulsion system will be upgraded to include two 430 hp diesel engines and Arneson drive, which will be contributed by Navatek. Success with this early testing justify further testing (Option I) with a Navy tow body simulator. Finally, successful test with the tow body will justify designing an ALB specifically for the USV (Otion II). The program is structured to build on success with the two options and terminate if unsuccessful.