USV SWAD - Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Blue Water SWAD  

Scope: Naval defence and security technology

Duration: September 2012 - May 2016

The study aims to develop high-tech autonomous or crewed vehicles in line with the international expansion of this market. These will be fast, stable, and reliable, and able to operate ongoing blue-water missions under remote control. A technology demonstrator, together with local and remote portable control stations, will be used to verify the performance and operability of the system, and thus the feasibility of the project. This has the following main missions:

• Patrol and escort
• Discovery and deterrence of “pirate” vessels
• Onboard navigation systems support, for targeting stabilisation and integration with environmental analysis equipment
• Towing target simulators, and simulating fast targets
• Rapid intervention for vessels that require assistance and/or protection

Partners:  ELSEL, INSIS, NUOVA CONNAVI, SITEP ITALY, INGV, OTO MELARA, UNIGE