Wind-Propelled, Solar-Powered Unmanned Semi-Submersible Sailing Vessels (USSVs)
The SubSeaSail® HORUS observation vessel is a disruptively affordable, long-duration sensor and payload platform. SSS systems are engineered for durability with unique patented and patent-pending technologies. Wind is the primary source of propulsion with a thruster for station-keeping in low/no wind conditions and propulsion for near-shore navigation. Solar power charges nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH) battery packs for sensor packages and payloads. The platform is capable of full autonomy, swarming, and manual modes. Unique features of the SSS platform include:
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A hull below the surface with wingsail above (patented): This reduces friction/drag with very little wake.
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The passive wingsail control mechanism (patented): No electronics, lines, or pulleys are required to optimally position the sail with respect to the wind direction, speed and desired path. A single electro-mechanical servo for the rudder is the only moving part required for sailing control.
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Solar power options: Choose from solar panel or transparent wingsail and dual panel solar deck at the waterline or a combination of both.
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Minimal signature (acoustic, IR, radar & visual)
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Submerging capability: Developing submerging capability with DOE SBIR funding to avoid bad actors/weather and listen/monitor underwater (patent pending on new buoyancy engine).
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Scalable and variable: Able to develop variants including larger vehicles and submerging multi-hull vessels for cargo delivery and offshore storage.
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Broad applications: ASW; C4ISR; cargo pre-positioning and delivery; communications gateways; ocean sensing; protection of Exclusive Economic Zones and Marine Protected Areas; targets & decoys; UUV delivery, launch, landing, and recharging; UXO/MCM, among others.
SubSeaSail system (left) – Passive chemical filter set and additional payload (right)
SubSeaSail platforms have been successfully tested for days/weeks in high sea states and up to 35+ knot gusts off New Zealand, Puerto Rico and San Diego. Future options will include capability to submerge to 30 then 100m depth. Successful projects have included vessels with acoustics, carrying a UUV, cameras, CTD/turbidity and passive chemical detection sensors. SSS is developing unique sensors including anemometer/camera/light combo and rigid, passive acoustic arrays to take advantage of the ultra-quiet platform and on-board Data Acquisition (DAQ) unit called PAMELA™.
SubSeaSail = Sustainable Ocean Observation
We address the above UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
Rev. July 24, 2022
SubSeaSail Gen7 Platform Specifications
SubSeaSail Gen7 Base Specifications
General Configuration |
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Wingsail |
Vessel |
Total |
Note |
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Height |
~152cm (59.84″) |
~152cm (59.84″) |
~304cm (119.69″) |
The SubSeaSail (SSS) technology is highly adaptable to different forms and shapes. The Gen7 is one of many possible configurations. Contact SSS for larger variants (including catamaran cargo-carrying versions) to accept additional payload capacity, higher max speed, communication protocols, etc. |
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Length |
165cm (65″) |
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Width |
25cm (9.84″) |
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Weight |
34 kg (75 lb.) |
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Endurance |
*Indefinite |
*Wind and solar sources required. Limited by biofouling issues. |
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Depth Rating |
30m initially |
Optional ballast system for Gen7. Under development. |
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Propulsion |
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Note |
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Wind |
Primary |
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Thruster |
Back-up |
For transit and no wind station-keeping. |
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Max Speed (sailing) |
0.5-2.5 knots |
Wind power. Additional speeds available. Contact SSS. |
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Max Speed (thruster) |
2 knots |
Up to 20 hours duration with no battery recharge. |
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Onboard Power |
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Note |
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NiMH Battery Bank |
450W/hr capacity |
Trickle-charged by solar panel(s). |
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Solar Deck |
14W peak |
Surface deck configuration can be combined with solar wingsail option for maximum power generation. |
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Solar Wing |
30W-80W |
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System Operating Load |
0.9W/hr |
Total load required for sailing (no thruster). |
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System Max Power |
5A at 13.2Vdc |
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Electronics |
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Computer System |
PIC CPU, XBEE Wifi, 9603 Iridium, Serial, Micro SD, IMU |
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IMU |
MEMS 3 axis accelerometers, gyros, magnetometers |
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GPS |
12 channel |
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Auxiliary Power & Comms Ports |
For external sensors and payloads. |
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Navigation |
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Note |
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GPS Accuracy |
3m horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP) |
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Station Keeping |
30m radius |
Estimated in 0.5 knot current. |
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Payload |
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Note |
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Max Payload |
20kg (neutrally buoyant) |
Optional payload capacity available. |
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Peak Payload Power |
20W |
Optional payload power available. |
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Max Continuous |
5W (depending on solar re-charging conditions) |
Optional max continuous available. |
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Ports |
12V, RS232, battery charge |
Payload interface, pass-through. |
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Communications |
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Note |
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Iridium 9603 |
Remote command, control, reporting |
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WiFi |
Local command, control, mission, and reporting |
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Custom |
Cellular, freewave |
Options available. |
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User Interface |
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Chart-Based GUI |
Windows PC compatible, waypoint and course navigation, programmable inclusion zones, follow course and hold/loop, station-keeping at target, text and visual status indicators, SMS and email alerts |
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Manual |
Autonomous capability primary with full manual control via PC/tablet |
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Options |
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AIS receiver |
Magnetometers |
Sonar |
Note |
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Cellular |
Mast camera |
Swarming |
This is a partial list of potential add-ons. |
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Comms ports for sensors |
Motion output |
Temperature |
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CTD/Turbidity |
RUDICS (Iridium) |
Turbidity |
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Custom comms |
Particle Imaging |
Water speed |
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Hydrophones & various rigid passive acoustic arrays |
Salinity |
Weather station |