Wind-Propelled, Solar-Powered Unmanned Semi-Submersible Sailing Vessels (USSVs)

USSV

SubSeaSail

Description

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:

  • A hull below the surface with wingsail above (patented): This reduces friction/drag with very little wake.
  • 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.
  • Solar power options: Choose from solar panel or transparent wingsail and dual panel solar deck at the waterline or a combination of both.
  • Minimal signature (acoustic, IR, radar & visual)
  • Submerging capability: Developing submerging capability with DOE SBIR funding to avoid bad actors/weather and listen/monitor underwater (patent pending on new buoyancy engine).
  • Scalable and variable: Able to develop variants including larger vehicles and submerging multi-hull vessels for cargo delivery and offshore storage.
  • 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

Wingsail

Vessel

Total

Note

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.

Length

165cm (65″)

Width

25cm (9.84″)

Weight

34 kg (75 lb.)

Endurance

*Indefinite

*Wind and solar sources required. Limited by biofouling issues.

Depth Rating

30m initially

Optional ballast system for Gen7. Under development.

Propulsion

Note

Wind

Primary

Thruster

Back-up

For transit and no wind station-keeping.

Max Speed (sailing)

0.5-2.5 knots

Wind power. Additional speeds available. Contact SSS.

Max Speed (thruster)

2 knots

Up to 20 hours duration with no battery recharge.

Onboard Power

Note

NiMH Battery Bank

450W/hr capacity

Trickle-charged by solar panel(s).

Solar Deck

14W peak

Surface deck configuration can be combined with solar wingsail option for maximum power generation.

Solar Wing

30W-80W

System Operating Load

0.9W/hr

Total load required for sailing (no thruster).

System Max Power

5A at 13.2Vdc

Electronics

Computer System

PIC CPU, XBEE Wifi, 9603 Iridium, Serial, Micro SD, IMU

IMU

MEMS 3 axis accelerometers, gyros, magnetometers

GPS

12 channel

Auxiliary Power & Comms Ports

For external sensors and payloads.

Navigation

Note

GPS Accuracy

3m horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP)

Station Keeping

30m radius

Estimated in 0.5 knot current.

Payload

Note

Max Payload

20kg (neutrally buoyant)

Optional payload capacity available.

Peak Payload Power

20W

Optional payload power available.

Max Continuous

5W (depending on solar re-charging conditions)

Optional max continuous available.

Ports

12V, RS232, battery charge

Payload interface, pass-through.

Communications

Note

Iridium 9603

Remote command, control, reporting

WiFi

Local command, control, mission, and reporting

Custom

Cellular, freewave

Options available.

User Interface

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

Manual

Autonomous capability primary with full manual control via PC/tablet

Options

AIS receiver

Magnetometers

Sonar

Note

Cellular

Mast camera

Swarming

This is a partial list of potential add-ons.

Comms ports for sensors

Motion output

Temperature

CTD/Turbidity

RUDICS (Iridium)

Turbidity

Custom comms

Particle Imaging

Water speed

Hydrophones & various

rigid passive acoustic arrays

Salinity

Weather station

SubSeaSail® LLC – San Diego, CA Contact: Michael Jones – Managing Partner

+1 (619) 253-8761 / mbjones@subseasail.com