The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has awarded a contract to ASV Global for an unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
The 5.4-metre USV will be used for testing, training and establishing procedures and protocols for use of the system by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on hydrographic programs.
The diesel-powered USV has an endurance of seven days at seven knots.
USM's School of Ocean Science and Technology Director Monty Graham said the USV would assist with improved mapping and charting in the Hydrographic Science Research Centre.
NOAA's Office of Coast Survey and the US Naval Oceanographic Office should also benefit from the investment.
