SeaFox IQ/SeaWolf - new mini and midi AUVs for security and inspection

摘要

The Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV's) SeaFox IQ and SeaWolf are nearing the completion of their development at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK. The possible mission spectra of these low (40kg) and medium (110kg) weight versatile vehicles includes inspection of 2-D and 3-D underwater facilities, maritime security and maritime science applications. SeaFox IQ and SeaWolf: are in the category of high performance AUV's; have a high payload capacity relative to vehicle weight; are capable of several hours endurance; are capable of maximum speeds up to 6 and 8 knots respectively; are highly manoeuvrable including hover capability; may be also equipped with long lengths of fibre optic cable for broad band on-line data transmission during autonomous operation. The AUVs are able to execute multiple types of inspection, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks partly or completely autonomously. Further, the vehicles are capable of operation in waters of high current. In the inspection role, extremely complex structures can be detected and examined with or without human support. This applies moreover not only to objects with heavy marine growth (mussels, barnacles, etc.) but also in underwater regions of minimal visibility. To match the vehicles' impressive hydrodynamic characteristics and to meet these challenging missions, the standard payload configuration features a multi-sensor package complete with an advanced image processing software suite and precision navigation capabilities both in the long range and close to target domains. The highly accurate short range navigation subsystem provides vehicle guidance such that a constant distance from the target object is maintained whilst ensuring complete coverage of the inspected scenario. In order to further enhance inspection efficiency, the UUV's are able to execute the inspection with the aid of existing CAD data from the relevant object. If such data are not available, the vehicles will create the data file by themselves on the basis of the actual inspection mission. In case of a repeated inspection, a so called "Change Detection" algorithm is activated to specifically detect a "difference" in the pre-recorded scenario. This is particularly effective in a cluttered sea bottom picture, often prevalent in port and harbour areas. The scope of this paper is to present these emerging high performance ATLAS AUV's SeaFox IQ and SeaWolf with a brief description of their respective performance characteristics and mission applications, and to introduce the discussion of future growth potential.