Naval Manned and Unmanned Teaming - Bridging the Surface and Sub-Surface Domains.

Growing up I was a huge fan of SeaQuest (#nerdalert) and watched in amaze as they built on the hugely popular space exploration narrative however instead of "boldly going" to new worlds, they explored the vast unknown that is our Earth's oceans.

The men and women explorers of SeaQuest were able to explore this brave new part of the world not just because of the huge underwater ship they had built but due to the sensors that provided the ship with the necessary data needed to keep the crew safe. It is those unmanned sensors we need to deliver to our Defence Force to keep our submarine and support vessel crews safe.

Under Sea 1905, the Commonwealth of Australia is seeking information from industry on Robotic Autonomous Systems that can make this network of sensors, working in support with our fleets to keep our crews safe, provide timely intelligence and counter threats.

Precision Technic Defence, is partnering with Ocean Aero on the Triton Gen 3 platform to deliver this very capability.

With the ability to autonomously patrol the surface for weeks at a time carry an impressive amount of payload, the Triton can collect and disseminate information in support of exploration, surveillance or maritime countermeasures. The vessel can be launched from a ship, vessel of opportunity or from the shore, operating either connected to the mission management system or autonomously using onboard AI.

The real party trick for the Triton is not that it is just a surface vessel but through folding its sail, it can submerge and conduct the same mission sets under the water. With a dive profile of down to 200m for a period of up to 8 days, the Triton now becomes a counter mine, diver support, network extension and clandestine surveillance platform.

No other autonomous vessel is capable of both surface and sub-surface operations. Working individually or as a swarm, the list of mission sets for this platform is almost limitless. Breaching the divide between surface and sub-surface reduces the risk profile, allows for mission change whilst deployed and provides a communication relay between surface and sub-surface vessels.

The team at Ocean Aero have just completed new trials in San Diego Bay with the Triton Gen 3, putting it through its paces.

We are a while off from the large scale underwater exploration vessels like SeaQuest but with the advancement in human and machine teaming it may not be too far off.

Contact us at PTDefence to know more.

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