“For the BlueComm modem to operate,


the ALR or other AUV comes up, not to the surface, but within range of the ASV. At night, in an open sea, it might transmit at something like 80m – while, at noon, under a sunny sky, it might need to be, say, within 20m,” says Tena. Te useful thing about this is that it is


wireless, so “you don’t have to physically join both systems, so you aren’t as open to mechanical breaks,” Tena points out – highlighting a well-known cause of trouble and lost subs. On reaching the ASV, the data takes the next leg of the journey back to shore via satellite.


Power demand Once again, the big issue for the underwater vessel is onboard electrical demand. Tena says there have been a couple of innovations that allow for greater mission endurance. “On one hand, battery technology is improving,”


he says. “On the other, we have found ways to make the instruments do more work for less power.” Tena explains that two innovations


are mainly responsible for the breakthrough. “One is that the signals themselves need less energy; we’ve gone from tone modes to Wideband 2, which gives you more for less and a longer range,” he says. “The other is in the instruments themselves. With traditional USBL, you’ll want to check in every other minute – but, if you achieve less variance, you need fewer updates. More accuracy means less strain on the signalling, so again less to come out of the power budget.” Te exchange works in two directions


and so the shore-side control station can use the very same data links to update or change the operation, which means surveys could potentially go on for weeks or months without the need for onsite intervention.


Swarm capability Deployment is also rather different. In this configuration, the AUV and ASV are not launched in a conventional manner from a vessel but instead can pair up via their data links, independently finding their own way to site, explains Tena. This means that operations can be


initiated at quite a distance, setting out from the nearest port, “although, realistically, you do need to be careful about staying out of shipping lanes and so on,” Tena adds. Finally, the USBL on the ASV can


track and communicate with multiple platforms. “It could also support swarm operations,” says Tena, adding that this isn’t confined to working with multiple AUVs, but will also likely result in tying aerial drones into the network as well:


“Surface, depth and air – that’s the way things are going,” Tena concludes. “We are slowly seeing these systems start on a path toward commercialism.” SBI


RINA- Maritime Innovation Award


Innovation is key to success in all sectors of the maritime industry and such innovation will stem from the development of research carried out by engineers and scientists in universities and industry, pushing forward the boundaries of design, construction and operation of marine vessels and structures


The Maritime Innovation Award seeks to encourage sc innoation y econisin otstanin scientific o technological research in the areas of hydrodynamics, propulsion, structures and material which has the otential to ae a sinificant ioeent in te esin construction and operation of marine vessels and structures


The Award is made annually to either an individual or an organisation, in any country. Nominations for the Award may be made by any member of the global maritime community, and are judged by a panel of members of the Institution and QinetiQ. The award will be announced at the Institution’s Annual Dinner.


Nominations are now invited for the 2018 Maritime Innovation Award. Individuals may not nominate themselves, although employees may nominate their company or organisation.


Nominations may be up to 750 words and should describe the research and its potential contribution to improving the design, construction and operation of maritime vessels and structures.


Nominations may be forwarded online at www.rina.org.uk/maritimeinnovationaward


or by email to: maritimeinnovationaward@rina.org.uk


Nominations should arrive at RINA Headquarters by 31st December 2018.


Queries about the award should be forwarded to the Chief Executive at hq@rina.org.uk


Ship & Boat International November/December 2018 Qinetiq (new).indd 1


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