greg3 Posted March 24, 2020 This build represents a remotely operated surface vessel (USV) of the type operated by XOcean to conduct a range of monitoring/survey missions at sea. I was inspired to build it after spotting one of the vessels operating just off the coast where I live (at first I thought it was a whale ) The vessels can operate for 18 days at sea and are remotely controlled by a human operator via satellite. The can carry up to 100kg of sensors allowing them to: monitor the weather/ocean conditions, survey the seabed, monitor fish stocks and collect data from seabed sensors. The vessel is about the size of a car and can be transported by road and launched from a boat trailer. The hull itself would be covered in solar panels, which along with internal batteries and micro diesel generators, power the sensors and electric motors. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The top platform carries a GPS system, navigation lights and a weather station. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr At the rear is the main broadband satellite system antenna Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr My version is still a bit of a WIP as I'm still tweaking on the underside/hull design but I think it looks OK so far!! Thanks for looking... comments are always welcome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DodgeDude5498 Posted March 24, 2020 That's really cool! Nice sleek design and a solid use of flex tube Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weeble1688 Posted March 25, 2020 Looks very cool! I've never seen one so cannot comment on its realistic appearance, but it certainly looks as if it could work in a modern seashore or port area of a city setup. I love the details on it, like the top platform and rear antenna. Very well done! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted March 25, 2020 Thanks for the comments.... here's a reference pic of the real life thing. Screenshot 2020-03-25 at 16.42.29 by g.nat, on Flickr As I mentioned in the first post, my version's not perfect but it's close enough I think for now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites