Liquid Robotics showcased its Wave Glider SV3 wave and solar powered USV/UUV at AAD 2014

: Posted On Friday, 26 September 2014 14:44

Naval Defenes Industry News - USA

Liquid Robotics showcased its Wave Glider SV3 wave and solar powered USV/UUV at AAD 2014

At AAD 2014 (Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition which took place from the 17 to 21 September in South Africa) US company Liquid Robotics was showcasing its revolutionary Wave Glider SV3 hybrid unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) / unmanned surface vehicle. The Wave Glider is a unique wave and solar propelled 2 parts system (one on the surface, the other under water).

Liquid Robotics was showcasing its Wave Glider SV3 UUV at AAD 2014

According to Liquid Robotics, The SV3 incorporates the latest advancements in energy harvesting technology and its innovative propulsion and energy systems help customers explore portions of the world’s oceans in which it was previously too challenging or costly to operate.

The SV3 features technologies such as real-time onboard processing of large data sets, a flexible power and storage system designed for “power hungry” sensors, and an adaptable operating system designed for intelligent autonomy to enable coordinated fleet operations.

Operating individually or in fleets, the Wave Glider SV3 enables 24/7/365, all-weather operations at a daily cost of up to 90 percent less than today’s data collection alternatives, while complementing and improving the efficiency of ships, buoys, satellites and aircraft.

The Wave Glider is a unique wave and solar propelled 2 parts system (one on the surface, the other under water). Image: Liquid Robotics

Defense Applications
A Liquid Robotics representative attending AAD 2014 told Navy Recognition that the Wave Glider SV3 is already in use with many navies around the world including the U.S. Navy (which has around 30 units), the Royal Australian Navy (which operates 6 of these unmanned vehicles), the Royal Norwegian Navy and even NATO.

The U.S. Navy deploys the Wave Glider SV3 for a number of missions including:
» Information Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)
» Underwater Terrain Mapping
» Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW - The system is then fitted with a towed array)
» Underwater relay
» Data link relay

The Wave Glider SV3 can operate for years at sea with no fuel, including in severe weather (e.g. hurricanes or Sea State 8) which makes it a perfect persistent platform. Its average continuous speed is 2 knots which allows it to cover 100 nautical miles in 3 days. Its payload capacity is 45 Kg (100 lbs).

An underwater view of Liquid Robotics’ SHARC, a wave-powered, autonomous ocean vehicle for persistent surveillance and communications. Photo: Liquid Robotics

The company which started in 2007, was originally looking to develop a system to facilitate the recording of whales underwater. Liquid Robotics just announced a multi-year teaming agreement with Boeing for collaboration on product development, maritime services and operational deployments.