Unmanned Systems Technology 001 | UAV Factory Penguin C | Real-time operating systems | Hirth S1218 two-stroke twin | Base stations | ASV C-Enduro | Composites | Datacomms

54 taking total vessel weight including fuel to about 500 kg. Maximum speed is 7 kn (1 kn equals 1.1508 mph so 7 kn is just over 8 mph) with a cruising speed of 3.5 kn. At 3.5 kn its range can exceed 3500 nautical miles depending on environmental conditions and payload. The C-Enduro’s range and mission duration depend on a number of factors such as operational conditions (not least the amount of sunshine and wind experienced) but its mission endurance is quoted by ASV as at least 60 days, with the potential to reach 90. Its control algorithms based on ASV’s proven ASView+ architecture were developed to ensure it maximises the efficiency of its energy generation and consumption. The algorithms incorporate wind and ocean current data and a model of the vessel’s performance over a range of conditions. Potential C-Enduro missions include sea temperature monitoring, salinity profiling and ocean current monitoring. It can also be used to monitor environmental noise, the presence of hydrocarbons in the water and other chemical and biological parameters. Other key tasks are assessing fish stocks and monitoring other marine wildlife. It might also be used for communicating with seabed equipment and other unmanned systems. The C-Enduro can also be deployed in security and defence roles, including AIS (automatic identification system) extension, situational awareness, rapid environmental assessment, noise detection and acoustic modelling and chemical detection. It also has the potential to play a part in anti- submarine warfare and electronic warfare, such is its versatility. Operation The C-Enduro’s navigation aids include GPS, radar reflectors, navigation lights, a depth sounder, AIS and collision avoidance radar. Working alongside Cranfield University, in England, which has considerable experience in collision avoidance algorithms, ASV developed a code that uses the AIS and the near-field radar to automatically steer clear of other vessels and floating objects. Customer support tools include mission planning software, to assess the C-Enduro’s capabilities in the light of anticipated conditions. Mission planning is web-based, and the system has a graphical interface to allow the user to plan a mission taking into account the prevailing environmental conditions. The mission’s coordinates are then transferred to ASView+, ASV’s command and control software, which allows for payload control, mid-mission updates and monitoring of feedback parameters. The C-Enduro is supplied with a base control station. If the craft is within a 20- mile radius of it then communications with it are normally via radio control, using ‘line of sight’ L-band/UHF radio comms over Internet Protocol (IP). This can be manual control rather than autonomous operation to assist docking and suchlike. When operating over the horizon, the C-Enduro is monitored via satellite. Connection with the base station is then via short-burst data (SBD) modem using the Iridium system, a constellation of 66 satellites capable of datacomms around the world between approved transceiver (transmitter/receiver) units. ASView+ can be set to change the communications method automatically depending on the best available November 2014 | Unmanned Systems Technology Based by the sea on England’s south coast, on the edge of the city of Portsmouth, ASV (Autonomous Surface Vehicles: www.asvglobal.com ) specialises in the design, development, manufacturing and operation of unmanned seaborne craft for a wide range of uses. ASV has a new 24,000 sq ft facility equipped with a modern design office using the latest 3D computer-aided design software, software development packages and high-performance workstations. With direct access to the water for vehicle testing, ASV’s workshop is configured for the construction and commissioning of vehicles up to 13 m in length. ASV’s boats range from military targets that can reach 50 kn on autopilot – and which are designed, literally, to be blown apart – to craft designed for highly sophisticated unmanned operations in fields such as oil exploration. Until recently, most of its customers were from the military, security and the oil industries, but following the development of the C-Enduro it is now a key player in oceanographic research. ASV recently established offices in Lafayette in Louisiana and Houston, Texas. Operating as ASV LLC, this US arm of the organisation provides unmanned marine system products and services to the commercial and military sectors in North and South America. ASV LLC also provides full operational and personnel support to North and South American customers for all charter services and sales. ASV Potential missions include sea temperature monitoring but it can also be deployed in security roles