Saildrone launches ocean mapping USV for the US navy

Saildrone, a leading US ocean drone company, has introduced the SD-3000, an innovative aluminium Surveyor unmanned surface vehicle (USV), designed for deep-sea mapping depths up to 11,000 metres. Contracted by the US Navy for initial testing, this vehicle aims to enhance ocean data collection while minimising environmental impact through its renewable wind and solar power sources. Produced in Alabama by shipbuilder Austal at a rate of one Surveyor every six weeks, the 20-meter-long SD-3000 is equipped with multibeam sonar for ocean mapping and maritime domain awareness on long-endurance missions. These USVs are poised to support various high-priority naval applications, including anti-submarine warfare, with their advanced defence and security payloads.  (Engineering and Technology)