Maritime Domain Awareness
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In 2022, Open Ocean Robotics uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) DataXplorer™ participated in the US Navy Task Force 59’s Digital Horizon exercise, which aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of mature uncrewed systems and data integration platforms for maritime domain awareness (MDA). Equipped with a non-ITAR, forward-facing thermal camera and connected to a mesh network via radio communications, DataXplorer™ completed 10 deployments and repeatedly showcased its ability to detect and identify dark vessels.
Objectives
HIGHLIGHTS
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DataXplorer™ travelled a total distance of 364 nmi over 10 deployments, and reached a maximum distance of ~22 nmi offshore.
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Over the entire exercise, DataXplorer™ successfully identified the target vessel of interest 80% of the time and identified multiple other AIS and non-AIS vessels.
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Open Ocean Robotic’s API was successfully integrated onto external platforms, allowing external users to stream visual data and control DataXplorer™ outside of XplorerView™.
RESULTS
Efficient and Robust Operations
DataXplorer™ was ready for deployment within 10 minutes of receiving instructions to deploy for 100% of the exercise. Once on the water, DataXplorer™ was able to operate through strong environmental conditions with no issue, including 25-30 kn wind speeds, 2+ kn of current, and sea states 3-4. Launch and recoveries showcased the advantages of DataXplorer™’s compact size.
Mesh Network Communications
Open Ocean Robotics successfully integrated a SILVUS SC4400 onboard DataXplorer™, allowing telemetry to stream via radio communications. DataXplorer™ operated over the SILVUS mesh network alongside several other uncrewed vehicles (UxVs), demonstrating its ability to collaborate with organizations, further increasing the autonomy of maritime domain awareness.
Dark Vessel Detections
DataXplorer™ participated in all ten of the Digital Horizon 2022 deployments, the majority of which were designed to test the uncrewed systems’ capabilities in dark vessel detection. During these deployments, DataXplorer™ had an 80% success rate in identifying the target vessel of interest, and Open Ocean Robotics operators were quick to communicate its bearing, estimated distance, and position of the vessel to Task Force 59 for further investigation.
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CLIENTS & PARTNERS
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“Open Ocean Robotics demonstrated that unmanned systems can be successfully employed by the USG, DoD, and other maritime entities to provide useful maritime domain awareness to its commanders.” - Michael Nordhausen, CDR, USCG Sutton, Dillon, LTJG, USN DIU Product Manager
