USV SWAD: Unmanned Surface Vehicle per Blue Water SWAD

Scope: Naval Technologies for Defense and Security

Duration: September 2012 – May 2016

The study aims to develop autonomous or manned vehicles, following the international trend of opening up innovative prospects for this market. Specifically, the vessel, featuring high reliability, autonomy, intrinsic stability, and speed, will be capable of operating in "blue water" scenarios (deep waters) on continuous missions and will be guided by remote control. A technology demonstrator, complete with local and remote portable control stations, will allow for the system's performance and operability to be verified, thus verifying the feasibility of the project, which will be primarily intended for the following missions:

• patrolling and escort
• discovery and deterrence of the "pirate" vessel
• embarkation of instrumentation to support navigation systems, to stabilize aiming systems and for integration with environmental analysis equipment
• target simulator towing and fast target simulation
• rapid intervention for vessels requiring assistance and/or protection

Partner: ELSEL, INSIS, NUOVA CONNAVI, SITEP ITALIA, INGV, OTO MELARA, UNIGE