(ESBJERG, Denmark and KONGSBERG, Norway) — A collaboration between Kongsberg and the Viking Norsafe boats and davits division has resulted in an innovatively designed unmanned surface vessel (USV).
The Sounder USV System is a multipurpose platform designed to work across different market segments, including survey and fishery duties. Viking Norsafe, was chosen by Kongsberg as its project partner for its years of experience in constructing tough and durable craft for use in extreme environments.
The Sounder USV System has been designed specifically for military and commercial maritime uses, deploying maximum stability with minimal vibration on the water, and optimized for low air disturbance under the hull. These features are essential in providing minimal disturbance to the data collection equipment onboard.
Equipped with large hatches on deck for fast and easy equipment exchange, the vessel’s long operating range gives it the possibility to reach a large area without the need for external power or fuel supply. It has a diverse range of applications from seabed mapping, fish finding and search operations to reconnaissance and exploration. The vessel has a high dynamic stability to provide a secure working platform.
It can fit into a 40-foot standard container and is easily transportable by air, road and sea. The USV has a rigid lifting point, verified for safe operation and as a way of optimizing the hull shape, computational fluid dynamics are completed during the design face. This provides for low fuel consumption, minimized air disturbance under the hull as well as optimized stability.
