Unmanned Systems Technology 006 | ECA Inspector Mk2 USV | Antenna systems | Northwest UAV NW-44 | Unmanned ground vehicles | Navigation systems | Lunar X challenge

28 The smallest standard configuration can be operated with a PC, while there is also a version integrated into a naval-qualified console for warships. While the USV command and control software can run on standard warship consoles, Clavier points out that such a configuration would also require the installation of an additional electronics bay to house dedicated comms links and power supplies. Control system The control system is divided broadly into guidance and steering modes. In steering mode, Clavier says, the operator always has control of the vehicle, whereas in guidance mode the vehicle is completely under the system’s control. Guidance mode is further divided into autonomous and assisted modes. In autonomous mode, the operator supervises the vehicle as it carries out its mission plan, while in assisted mode the operator controls the vehicle through a selection of presets such as survey patterns, station keeping or easy docking. ECA has developed a range of task-optimised steering mode presets because different tasks, such as surface target tracking and underwater surveys, demand different steering schemes. With these presets, Clavier explains, the operator can react to events by re- planning the mission in real time on the navigation screen, changing the presets, using go-to commands, or adding new waypoints or complete new routes. One type of event that demands rapid real-time reaction is the detection of an obstacle – usually by radar – that presents a collision risk, for which ECA has developed a set of alarms that, depending on the situation, initiate a number of different reactions, such as a standby mode or a navigation procedure such as an avoidance manoeuvre, Clavier says. More challenging than ensuring the correct reaction, however, is the reliable detection of obstacles in the first place. February/March 2016 | Unmanned Systems Technology For the harbour surveillance and protection role, ECA offers the Inspector Mk2 with the Triton Harbour software, plus the same set of surface sensors and effectors proposed for the mobile mission referred to in the main text. For offshore platform surveillance and rapid threat intervention missions, ECA offers the Inspector Mk2 with equipment centred on the Triton Harbour software plus the usual surface situational awareness sensors and controlled by a single operator. In addition to a loudspeaker, the USV can be fitted with a non-lethal gas grenade launcher and programmed with interdiction manoeuvres including ramming. The Inspector Mk2 can also take on less aggressive, even life-saving duties when equipped for fighting offshore fires. Options include IR and daylight TV cameras, and a high- pressure foam projector capable of delivering 4500 l/min at 15 bar pressure from a tank that holds 400 litres of liquid foam concentrate. The craft can also deploy two automatically inflating rafts under remote control. Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear detection and analysis sensors can also be integrated, including photo- ionisation detectors, toxic industrial chemical detectors, multi- gas detectors, and gamma ray and neutron meters. For the mine identification and neutralisation role, ECA offers the Inspector Mk2 fitted with the Triton MCM suite, which is a mine warfare data post-processing software package featuring several of the modules incorporated into other Triton sonar packages such as Perspective SSS and Perspective MBE. These enable it to display multi- layered maps populated with mission data, survey lines and bathymetric data, show mosaics and waterfalls and acquire targets from within them, cueing likely targets for the operator to save time. It can also measure and analyse targets and export images and location data. In terms of sensors, ECA proposes an Edgetech ED4600 side-scan sonar mounted on the bow keel arm. This has an interferometric capability, enabling it to produce imagery and bathymetric data simultaneously in water 2-25 m deep. The bow keel arm protects the sensor from shock during transit and simplifies maintenance. The vehicle is also fitted with electro-optical sensors and equipped to control synthetic aperture sonar, a towed side-scan sonar and a towed mine sweep, and can work with divers. While ECA offers a side-scan sonar for MCM, product manager Vincent Clavier regards the bow keel arm as the first choice for deployment of such a sensor because of its ability to conduct surveys accurately in shallow water. If he were to recommend a solution, he says, it would be to use a USV with the bow keel arm in the shallows and an AUV in deeper water, but for customers who decide they need a towed side-scan sonar, ECA has a module that it can integrate. The MCM increases the level of integration with other unmanned vehicles including the K-Ster-1 mine identification ROV, the K-Ster C expendable mine disposal vehicle and the Seascan Mk2 inspection ROV. Two 1.5 m-long, 50 kg K-Sters can be carried on the launch and recovery system ready for deployment, for example. Equipment options