Florida-based marine environmental consultancy CSA Ocean Sciences recently acquired a new autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) from local unmanned systems specialist SeaRobotics.
CSA said that the heavy payload ASV, which has already been deployed to work on several survey projects in the Northeastern United States, is capable of autonomous missions of up to 60 days and is powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system.
The ASV's sensor suite is engineered for coastal marine survey, metocean studies, and passive acoustic monitoring, while its open-deck payload is ideal for the launch and recovery of an ancillary asset, such as a compact ASV or remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Among other applications, the unit can be used as a platform for sensor test and evaluation, and as a position and data relay to submerged assets, like an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or seafloor node.
When not in operation, the ASV will be available for lease and stationed at CSA's Northeast Regional Office, a new waterfront location at Prime Marina in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
