Autonomous Semi-submersible

Autonomous Surface Vehicles Ltd, with Seaspeed Technology Ltd, have exhibited the first 5.5-metre Survey Autonomous Semi-Submersible (SASS) vehicle. SASS vehicles are used to collect survey or surveillance data of all kinds from the ocean. SASS vehicles have both civilian and military applications, ranging from oceanographic and fisheries research to anti-terrorist surveillance and mine countermeasures. A detachable nose-cone enables a variety of in-water sensors to be fitted to suit any particular application. It can also deploy sensors or smaller daughter vehicles from a winch housed in the nose-cone. SASS involves an unmanned submerged torpedo-like body running below waves with a strong upright strut penetrating the water surface. The strut provides buoyancy, air for propulsion and radio frequency coverage for communications and positioning. Vehicle lengths are expected to be between 3 metres for inshore work, 6 metres for ocean work and 9 metres for heavy loads. Stabilisation will meet most survey requirements.