The navy and research facilities have been pushing the limits in what they can accomplish in the water since the end of the Second World War. One of the accomplishments of the hard work was the invention of the unmanned surface vessel also commonly referred to as autonomous surface vehicle. The abbreviations USV and ASV are normally used respectively. This article discusses some basic information about this relatively new water technology in terms of application and features.
According to the name, autonomous surface vehicle refers to a kind of water vessel that can be remotely operated without the need for a crew onboard. The vessels are operated remotely by a crew on other vessels or ashore. For purposes of adaptability, some models have been designed to allow for manned operation through conversion of internal system. This conversion process can take up to 24 hours. USVs keep human crews out of danger, something that helps to significantly save human lives. However, no optimization of use of personnel has been associated with this technology yet.
Immediately after World War Two, many countries started work on the USVs. This area of warfare was pioneered by Israel and it developed several prototypes that were manufactured into finished products. By 2005, there were fully operational USVs in Israeli waters. Currently, many countries maintain naval fleets of USVs for domestic and foreign missions.
Research facilities and academic institutions were the main users of these vehicles before they were adopted in the navy. In research and academic work, they were mostly used to study life at sea. The vehicles increased distance into the sea that could be travelled and length of time studies could be done. Research was rendered easier and many discoveries were done.
As USV technology started to be adopted by the navy, there was drastic change in the use and level of sophistication of the vehicles. Today, their uses in the navy include harbor security, vessel protection, mine sweeping, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, area access denial, search and rescue operations, and protection of critical infrastructure. More features are being included which has led to more uses.
In most USVs, the hull and other parts remain submerged under water with only a mast protruding out. The mast is used for communication with the base station and air intake. This kind of design is very advantageous because it allows for use of internal combustion propulsion systems, excellent passive stability, and large payload volumes. The vehicle has good offensive capability where it includes a system that can identify, target, and fire on targets both at sea, air, and on land.
Initially, these devices relied on liquid fuel for propulsion. This often limited their range and period they could stay in the water without the need to refill. Thus, research was started on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and more recently wave energy. A small number of vessels that use wind and solar have been produced by most countries.
So far, modern USVs are small to medium in size. Their size is the same as that of recreational watercrafts. Typically, they have lengths that measure between 2 and 15 meters and they displace between 1.5-10 tons of water. Wireless platforms provide means of communication with base stations.
According to the name, autonomous surface vehicle refers to a kind of water vessel that can be remotely operated without the need for a crew onboard. The vessels are operated remotely by a crew on other vessels or ashore. For purposes of adaptability, some models have been designed to allow for manned operation through conversion of internal system. This conversion process can take up to 24 hours. USVs keep human crews out of danger, something that helps to significantly save human lives. However, no optimization of use of personnel has been associated with this technology yet.
Immediately after World War Two, many countries started work on the USVs. This area of warfare was pioneered by Israel and it developed several prototypes that were manufactured into finished products. By 2005, there were fully operational USVs in Israeli waters. Currently, many countries maintain naval fleets of USVs for domestic and foreign missions.
Research facilities and academic institutions were the main users of these vehicles before they were adopted in the navy. In research and academic work, they were mostly used to study life at sea. The vehicles increased distance into the sea that could be travelled and length of time studies could be done. Research was rendered easier and many discoveries were done.
As USV technology started to be adopted by the navy, there was drastic change in the use and level of sophistication of the vehicles. Today, their uses in the navy include harbor security, vessel protection, mine sweeping, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, area access denial, search and rescue operations, and protection of critical infrastructure. More features are being included which has led to more uses.
In most USVs, the hull and other parts remain submerged under water with only a mast protruding out. The mast is used for communication with the base station and air intake. This kind of design is very advantageous because it allows for use of internal combustion propulsion systems, excellent passive stability, and large payload volumes. The vehicle has good offensive capability where it includes a system that can identify, target, and fire on targets both at sea, air, and on land.
Initially, these devices relied on liquid fuel for propulsion. This often limited their range and period they could stay in the water without the need to refill. Thus, research was started on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and more recently wave energy. A small number of vessels that use wind and solar have been produced by most countries.
So far, modern USVs are small to medium in size. Their size is the same as that of recreational watercrafts. Typically, they have lengths that measure between 2 and 15 meters and they displace between 1.5-10 tons of water. Wireless platforms provide means of communication with base stations.
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