Unmanned Surface Vehicle

4D received a contract from Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to design and prototype the USV. 4D’s unmanned surface vehicle (USV) is a small (8 feet long), easily transported and deployed, a remote control system that is designed to lift and move objects of over 400 pounds in weight. The thrusters and winch are pneumatically operated to provide safety to divers that work alongside or near the USV. The low-cost platform design was achieved using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTs) components.

The system can be used not only for the lifting and salvage of potentially hazardous objects, but it can also be used for the deployment of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). If hazardous objects, such as unexploded ordnance or improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are encountered, the USV allows for safe removal and the ability to be rendered safe without putting an operator in harm’s way. The given attributes make the USV an ideal solution for both commercial and government applications.