The Specifications That Unmanned Surface Vessel Manufacturers Follow

By Ronald Clark


Today, the level of sophistication that military operations have achieved is mind blowing. These operations continue to become more complex and technical with each day that passes. One of the areas that has seen a lot of development is reconnaissance of enemy movements and positions. At the moment, this operation is achieved through high altitude unmanned aircraft and unmanned water vessels. The aircrafts are usually unmanned and they have night vision equipment, parabolic microphones, and heat sensors. Here are specifications that unmanned surface vessel manufacturers follow.

The aircraft maintains communication with a ground station through satellite links. It is possible to operate these vessels from thousands of miles away, while keeping an eye on their speed, direction, position and other factors. The operator is always aware of the areas surrounding the vessel because the USV has onboard cameras that capture and upload images of the area around it.

After the photos are received, the operator then sends back information to the USV to give it commands. A USV is usually powered by its own source of power. It contains a housing that houses an antenna, power source, first and second speed controllers, and a receiver. All these elements normally have their own specific purposes on the USV.

A receiver is used to receive information that is communicated from the transmitter to the operators on the ground. On the other hand, the antenna usually amplifies weak signals before the vehicle acts on the command. There are right and left motors contained in the vehicle and they are responsible for controlling the first and the second speed controllers respectively. All components are then powered by a power source.

Normally, the housing has front and back cameras. Front and back cameras can differ in numbers. This is dictated by the model of vessel under consideration. If necessary, installation of additional cameras can be done on the sides of the body. The design of cameras allows them not to be spoiled by humidity or water. With this, they can function for a longer time.

These vehicles are available in a wide range of sizes. Usually, the size is determined by the purpose that the vehicle is meant to serve. The small versions of these vessels can measure just a few meters long, while the big ones can extend over 50 meters in length. Military USVs are designed with the capability of carrying weapons.

In order to carry weapons effectively, they are designed to be long and heavy. Big military USVs can displace thousands of tons of water, and can deliver a very huge payload. Besides carrying weapons, they are designed to carry a lot of navigation and reconnaissance equipment. From the size, it is easy to think that these vessels have a human crew onboard from a distance.

USVs that are used for military operations are usually colored in camouflage colors. This is meant to make it had for them to be spotted by enemy vessels. Also, the material the surface is made out of minimizes bouncing of sound and light to help with hiding the position of the vessel at all times.




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