unmanned aircraft systems

- Ship Tech: U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center Maritime Reporter, May 2018 #12
The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) in New London, Connecticut, is the service's only command conducting research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) support for all 11 statutory missions. Since its commissioning in 1972, RDC has been involved in over 2,000 projects and initiatives that have significantly benefited the Coast Guard and the components of the Maritime Transportation System.

As the demand for research and development capability grows within the service, RDC has adapted an approach to project engagement built around three words: meaningful, relevant and impactful (MRI). This focus has ensured that the Center has an exceptionally high transition rate drawn from its nearly 70-strong project portfolio. In addition to this concerted effort focused on transition, the Center has established a rapid prototyping and testing capability to field solutions to the fleet quickly. This was done in conjunction with Borders and Maritime Security (BMD), a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, and has placed a renewed emphasis on partnership engagement.

The joint effort with DHS, S&T and BMD is officially designated the Science and Technology Innovation Center, or STIC. This capability is a collaborative effort dedicated to leveraging innovation, prototyping and rapid integration of high-technology readiness level (TRL) solutions to answer the operational challenges of the Coast Guard and DHS. It was conceived as a response to former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson’s “unity of effort” initiative. The STIC, with six active projects, recently completed field testing of a tracker designed to support units in pursuit of suspected narcotics smugglers who have jettisoned their loads. The tests were completed in San Francisco Bay and exceeded expectations.

The emphasis on partnerships took a quantum leap forward with the first ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between RDC and the Air Force Research Lab. The MOU established a framework for immediate joint collaboration for engagement; including long-duration UAS, pilot laser strike protection, and overseas technical engagements involved in advanced capabilities for force protection. In addition, the MOU allows greater opportunity for RDC and AFRL to work together on projects of mutual benefit. Several RDC efforts stand to profit from this partnership, including 3-D printing, Arctic operations, modeling and simulation, cyber research, and satellite technology to include CubeSats. Capt. Greg Rothrock, commanding officer of RDC, and Major General William Cooley, commander of AFRL, signed the document in a ceremony hosted at AFRL headquarters.

“RDC is very excited about this new affiliation with AFRL,” Rothrock said. “Establishing an MOU is just the start of what we see as a long-term relationship to collaborate where we can on common research that benefits both the Coast Guard and Air Force.”

RDC has also seen some unique partnerships within its own service. One example is the Search and Rescue Hoax Location Systems and Methods project. It was the first-ever RDC project done in conjunction with Coast Guard Investigative Service, or CGIS. This project addresses the issue of serial hoax callers; individuals who conduct false emergency calls that cost the service time and money while potentially impacting the ability to respond to real emergencies. The project used a three-part approach to evaluate and demonstrate different technologies that would assist CGIS and other partners with locating, identifying and prosecuting hoax callers within the Coast Guard domain. The hoax call project laid the groundwork for future collaboration with CGIS.

Other research focus areas are employing the same MRI focus. RDC has several projects that assess and evaluate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and unmanned maritime (surface/subsurface) vehicles (UMVs) for a range of capabilities. This is being done because the use of autonomous systems has grown exponentially in private industry, both in the United States and overseas. Specifically, RDC is engaged with a series of testing and assessment from advanced short-range UAS and unmanned maritime systems (UMS) to a very exciting Long-Range/Ultra-Long Endurance (LR/U-LE) UAS program.

The Arctic continues to be a focus of the Center’s portfolio, supporting research in Coast Guard Districts 17, 9 and 1. The Center has sent a team to the Arctic for the last few years to embark on the 420-foot medium icebreaker USCGC HEALY. With private and public partnerships, they conducted a wide range of experiments that included the evaluation and testing of maritime communication solutions for use in the Arctic and the development and testing of the next generation Arctic navigation safety information system. Significant growth in maritime traffic in this region has prompted RDC to research responses to oil in ice, which is a complicated pollution response event.

The Coast Guard is known worldwide for its expertise in Search and Rescue, or SAR missions. In support of this critical capability, RDC continues to explore more effective and efficient ways to complete this mission. From conducting survival modeling, to testing new alternatives to pyrotechnic distress signals, to leveraging the latest technology – like evaluating the potential use of Cubesats as a SAR tool – RDC and its partners are at the forefront of research.

When looked at in its totality, the USCG RDC’s portfolio is wide-ranging, touching every single aspect of the service … what better way to be meaningful, relevant and impactful!

About the Author:

Dr. DiRenzo is the Director of Research Partnerships at the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC). A retired USCG officer who had afloat command, he is also RDC’s Project Manager for the Center’s Artificial Intelligence Disaster Response project. Dr. DiRenzo is a frequent contributor to Maritime Reporter and he teaches for American Military University and Northcentral University.
- Aerial Drones Take Flight Offshore Marine Technology, Oct 2017 #14
processes to improve data-gathering capabilities and safety with maximum cost efficiency and flawless execution. The Author Todd Chase is Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Manager, Global Data Solutions, Oceaneering International. (As published in the October 2017 edition of Marine Technology Reporter
- Spill Prevention & Response: Old Lessons, New Challenges Marine News, Jun 2018 #32
team could arrive.”These ideas are not yet commercially ready. R&D is still underway.Another emerging autonomous technology is Short-Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SR-UAS). R.E. “Bob” McFarland is Incident Management & Preparedness Advisor with the U.S. Coast Guard District 13, based in Seattle. McFarland
- Plastics in the Ocean Marine Technology, Jan 2013 #12
, considered to be one of the most remote regions of the world. To survey large areas of the ocean, a pilot project was launched in 2008 that used unmanned aircraft systems. Smaller pieces however, like the ones predominantly collected by researchers with SEA last November, remain another challenge. “One of
- There’s an App for That! Marine Technology, Mar 2014 #38
controlling and communicating between the ground and the bird and all of the systems involved. The standard that we’re working on is called the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Control Segment, or UCS, and it is hardware independent,” said Rich Ernst, who leads the USC architecture development in DoD.” All
- Drones: Is the Maritime Industry Ready? Maritime Reporter, Jul 2016 #22
. In fact, the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center has entered into cooperative agreements with several companies to evaluate small unmanned aircraft systems for potential for use in maritime environments, such as the Arctic, and for law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime environmental

)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 4th Cover
Glow a little longer. Superior sensor performance on a rmance on a – – RBRtridentfraction of the power RBRtridente teee ackscatter or turbidity with hi i in n n t t th h h he e e s sa a am m m me Measure chlorophyll a, fDOM, and backscatter or turbidity within the same e e sensor package using the
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 48
Index page MTR MarApr2024:MTR Layouts 4/4/2024 3:19 PM Page 1 Advertiser Index PageCompany Website Phone# 17 . . . . .Airmar Technology Corporation . . . . . . . . . .www.airmar.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(603) 673-9570 9 . . . . . .Birns, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 45
ronments. The new agreement will address speci? c techni- cal gaps in the UUV defense and offshore energy markets especially for long duration, multi-payload mission opera- tions where communications are often denied or restricted. As part of the new alliance, Metron’s Resilient Mission Autonomy portfolio
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 44
NEW TECH OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2024 Image courtesy Metron/Cellula Teledyne Marine acquires Valeport: Matt Quartley, MD, Valeport and Ole Søe-Pedersen, VP & Image courtesy Teledyne Marine GM Teledyne Marine announce the deal in London. Pictured (L-R): Cellula Robotics, President, Eric Jackson, Metron
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 43
Image courtesy Kongsberg Discovery Image courtesy Teledyne Marine New Products Teledyne Marine had its traditional mega-booth at Oi, busy start to ? nish. Image courtesy Greg Trauthwein offers quality sub-bottom pro? ling capability without the need tion of offshore windfarms. GeoPulse 2 introduces new
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 42
NEW TECH OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2024 Image courtesy Greg Trauthwein Image courtesy BIRNS MacArtney launches the new ultra-compact ø12.7 mm SubConn Nano connector. Innovative connectivity built on 45 years of ? eld-proven and market-trusted design. Image courtesy MacArtney Birns celebrated its 70th
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 41
Image courtesy Outland Technology Image courtesy Exail Image courtesy Submaris and EvoLogics Vehicles The ROV-1500 from Outland Technology represents a leap forward in underwater robotics, a compact remotely operated vehicle (ROV) weighing in at less than 40 lbs (19kg) the ROV- 1500 is easy to transport
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 40
NEW TECH OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2024 All photos courtesy MTR unless otherwise noted NEW TECH, PARTNERSHIPS LAUNCH IN LONDON With Oceanology International now one month in the rear-view mirror, MTR takes a look at some of the interesting technologies launched before, during and after the London event.
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 39
and the leads brought out to the CBA V. The CBA V can perform a Power Pro? le, useful for designers working with solar charging systems on buoys and unmanned surface vehicles (USV). For very low currents, continuous or intermittent, the West Mountain Radio CBA HR (High Resolution) model is designed to
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 38
LANDER LAB #10 Photo courtesy West Mountain Radio Photo courtesy of Clarios/AutoBatteries.com Figure 6 The West Mountain Radio Computerized Battery Analyzer (CBA V) attaches to a Figure 5 laptop by a USB-B cable, and to a battery by Powerpole® Connectors. Exploded view of an AGM lead-acid battery.
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 37
miscible barrier ? uid heavier than seawater (sg=1.026) and lighter than the battery electrolyte (sg=1.265). The original cell vent cap was screwed into the top of the riser pipe to vent the gases associated with charging. Wires were soldered to the lead (Pb) posts. The lead-acid battery was additionall
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 36
LANDER LAB #10 Of special interest for marine applications, LiPo batteries are Shipping any kind of lithium battery can be a challenge, and offered in a “pouch” design, with a soft, ? at body. The pouch IATA regs vary with the batteries inside or outside an instru- is vacuum-sealed, with all voids ?
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 33
regulated industry in the world.” How- ever, commercial success depends on many factors, not least a predictable OPEX. Over the past four years, SMD has worked with Oil States Industries to calculate cost per tonne ? gures for prospective customers. Patania II uses jet water pumps to Oil States’
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 32
FEATURE SEABED MINING by a sea? oor plume from its pilot collection system test. pact, nodule collection system that utilizes mechanical and The Metals Company recently signed a binding MoU with hydraulic technology. Paci? c Metals Corporation of Japan for a feasibility study on The company’s SMD
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 31
The Allseas-designed production system consists of the Hidden Gem production vessel at the surface, an airlift riser system and jumper hose, and the pilot nodule collector vehicle at the sea? oor. Image courtesy of Allseas www.marinetechnologynews.com 31 MTR #3 (18-33).indd 31 4/4/2024 2:12:41
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 30
FEATURE SEABED MINING bilical. It has passive heave compensation which nulli? es the necott. “The focus since then has been on scaling while en- wave, current and vessel motions that in? uence loads in the suring the lightest environmental impact,” says The Metals power umbilical. The LARS can
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 29
n January, Norway said “yes” to sea- bed mining, adding its weight to the momentum that is likely to override the calls for a moratorium by over 20 countries and companies such as I Google, BMW, Volvo and Samsung. Those against mining aim to protect the unique and largely unknown ecology of the sea?
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 25
Auerbach explained that ideally, “one ? ed layers of geothermal activity,” noted changes over an area of 8,000 km2. They would have both instruments: seismom- Skett, “and the change in salinity and dis- found up to seven km3 of displaced ma- eters to detect and locate subsurface ac- solved particles for
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 19
About the Author vey with the pipe tracker is not required, resulting in signi? - Svenn Magen Wigen is a Cathodic Protection and corrosion control cant cost savings, mainly related to vessel charter. expert having worked across The major advantage of using FiGS on any type of subsea engineering, design
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 18
TECH FEATURE IMR There are also weaknesses in terms of accuracy because of FiGS Operations and Bene? ts signal noise and the ability to detect small ? eld gradients. In Conventional approaches to evaluating cathodic protection this process there is a risk that possible issues like coating (CP)
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 17
• Integrity assessment, and otherwise covered, e.g., by rock dump. As for depletion of • Mitigation, intervention and repair. sacri? cial anodes, this can be dif? cult or even impossible to Selecting the best method for collecting the data these work- estimate due to poor visibility, the presence of
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 15
sensor options for longer mission periods. About the Author For glider users working in ? sheries and conservation, Shea Quinn is the Product Line Manager the Sentinel can run several high-energy passive and active of the Slocum Glider at Teledyne Webb acoustic sensors, on-board processing, and imaging
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 13
Research in 1982 by Doug Webb, an engineer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and pioneer of buoyancy engine driven underwater vehicles – unmanned plat- forms that use a pump to create chang- es in vehicle density to move through the water column and collect oceano- graphic data. TWR uses this
)
March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 11
assist in identifying mines and act as a neutralization device. About the Author Bottom mines pose even greater chal- David R. Strachan is a defense analyst and founder of lenges. Unlike contact mines, bottom Strikepod Systems, a research and strategic advisory mines utilize a range of sensors to

Unmanned Aircraft Systems