USVs Autonomously Detected and Tracked a Live Submarine
News

USVs Autonomously Detected and Tracked a Live Submarine

Liquid Robotics, and Boeing have for the first time used a network of persistent unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to detect, report and track a live submarine in a naval demonstration. Four sensor hosting autonomous remote craft (SHARCs) were deployed off the coast of Northern Scotland during the British Royal Navy’s Unmanned Warrior 2016 demonstration. The autonomous surface vehicles used Boeing acoustic sensors in the live anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission. 

Over the two-week demonstration, the SHARCs successfully detected and tracked an advancing unmanned underwater vehicle and most significantly—a manned diesel submarine.  The SHARCs provided detailed and actionable intelligence to commanders through more than 100 automated contact reports, proving the USVs efficacy to autonomously conduct ASW missions and exchange data in real time.

Meteorological and Oceanographic Sensors

In addition to the ASW mission, two SHARCs equipped with meteorological and oceanographic sensors were deployed to the North Atlantic to gather data that ultimately contributed to sensor prediction models for Unmanned Warrior and Joint Warrior, a major bi-annual collective training exercise also hosted by the Royal Navy. The SHARCs operated 24/7 in harsh conditions unfavorable for manned operations – waves in excess of 6.6 meters and winds of more than 60 knots – to autonomously provide real-time data on the weather and ocean conditions critical to the safe operation of the Unmanned Warrior systems.

Hydrography Newsletter

Value staying current with hydrography?

Stay on the map with our expertly curated newsletters.

We provide educational insights, industry updates, and inspiring stories from the world of hydrography to help you learn, grow, and navigate your field with confidence. Don't miss out - subscribe today and ensure you're always informed, educated, and inspired by the latest in hydrographic technology and research.

Choose your newsletter(s)