Information About Unmanned Surface Vessel Manufacturers

By Shirley Stevens


Autonomous surface vessel (ASV) is another name used to refer to an unmanned surface vessel (USV). This a floating kind of platform that can be operated without the need to have a human on board. It was during the Second World War that the idea to have these vessels begun. As soon as the war was over, researchers started working on the idea. This idea keeps being developed with technological advancements as well as the preference of the users. There has been growth in the number of unmanned surface vessel manufacturers.

The necessity of USVs has become apparent not just in the military, but also in the field of science. Today, anybody is allowed to own a USV and there are no mandatory rules that one must meet in order to own the drone. In science, these vessels are used to perform a wide range of scientific and research operations. Modern vessels are multi-functionality, and they offer more comfort and safety to users.

Exploring water bodies at one hundred percent safety levels are now possible with ASVs. When taken to water, they do not cause problems of health to animals and human beings. They also do not need to rest and they also cannot refuse to perform their duties because they are machines unlike human beings who at times abandon their jobs.

The use of these vessels currently is more for scientific applications despite being developed for military applications. Most models being built today are made to be resourceful for use in marine operations. USVs have modernized how water bodies are being exploited. One of the main tasks they play in marine applications is oceanographic measurements.

Operations that are comprised in the oceanographic measurements include, ship wreck survey, chemistry, earthquake prediction, bathymetry, hydrographic data, monitoring water, measurement of salinity, and structure inspection. Air and atmospheric measurement operations are done by the use of USVs also. Measurements in this field include measurement of humidity, sea surface temperature, and surface winds. Before hurricanes happen, this vessels can be used to predict them accurately.

Weather forecasting missions are also performed in the waters using USVs. Many militaries around the globe heavily use USVs for weather forecasting and various other operations. Some of the major military applications of USVs include mine detection, military training and security, reconnaissance, mine-hunting, and coastal surveillance. In many cases, militaries use USVs to accompany an underwater vessel such as a submarine. In this case, the job of the USV is to offer support communications and precision location and navigation.

These vessels are being improved a lot continuously. Addition of as many as possible features in these vessels has helped to increase functionality. Efficiency and safety of the people who board the vessels is improved through the major developments being done on the shape and design of the vessels.

The concept of SWATH is coming up strongly because it has proven to be useful in vessels that need speed and static behavior while at sea. SWATH is also making vessels more stable and capable of surviving harsh water conditions. All these improve the ability of militaries and researchers to do their job.




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