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Boeing and Liquid Robotics highlight new solution for maritime surveillance, the SHARC

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Sea-Air-Space 2015 - Boeing Liquid Robotics SHARC
 
 
 
Boeing and Liquid Robotics highlight new solution for maritime surveillance, the SHARC
 
At Sea-Air-Space 2015, Boeing and its partner Liquid Robotics are showcasing a new solution for maritime security that enables continuous monitoring and communications solutions from seafloor to space, the Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC). The SHARCs is based on Liquid Robotics' Wave Glider SV3, a unique wave and solar propelled 2 parts system (one on the surface, the other under water).
     
At Sea-Air-Space 2015, Boeing and its partner Liquid Robotics are showcasing a new solution for maritime security that enables continuous monitoring and communications solutions from seafloor to space, the Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC). The SHARCs is based on Liquid Robotics' Wave Glider SV3, a unique wave and solar propelled 2 parts system (one on the surface, the other under water).
Liquid Robotics and Boeing's SHARC at SAS 2015 (here the solar-powered propulsion system)
     
The Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft delivers continuous maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconaissance missions for up to a year without refueling or servicing. Liquid Robotics' innovative, wave- and solar-powered propulsion system, combined with Boeing's advanced sensors, integrate to provide a completely new way to connect assets from seafloor to space.

In September 2014, Boeing and Liquid Robotics signed a multi-year agreement to enhance the unmanned marine vessel’s capabilities.
     
At Sea-Air-Space 2015, Boeing and its partner Liquid Robotics are showcasing a new solution for maritime security that enables continuous monitoring and communications solutions from seafloor to space, the Sensor Hosting Autonomous Remote Craft (SHARC). The SHARCs is based on Liquid Robotics' Wave Glider SV3, a unique wave and solar propelled 2 parts system (one on the surface, the other under water).
Liquid Robotics and Boeing's SHARC at SAS 2015 (here the wave-powered propulsion system)
     
Its ability to conduct continuous patrols using autonomous navigation, gives SHARC unique access to undersea, air and space domains. It requires only a single, shore-side operator to monitor and controle large fleets. To date, more than 50 sensors have been tested and integrated on SHARC, including Automated Idenfitication System (AIS), acoustic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, and imaging systems. SHARC's on-board architecture, commercial standards and modular configuration allows rapid integration of advanced technologies and innovative payloads.

During AAD 2014 (defense show in South Africa which Navy Recognition was covering), a Liquid Robotics representative told us 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