Seafloor Systems are continuing to develop and improve their hydrographic surveying solutions, including the popular EchoBoat and HydroCat systems. As an affordable and effective surveying platform, these systems are highly versatile and can be customised to suit individual, environmental and project requirements.

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are commonly used by Surveyors to overcome access challenges, for instance where it may not be possible to launch a boat. From a safety point of view, the benefits of using an USV involves removing the risk of human harm in difficult or dangerous environments.

All USVs are remote controlled and/or can be fitted with AutoNav for autonomous operation.

Seafloor Systems USVs are designed to be easy to operate, affordable, simple to maintain and are easily mobilised quickly and effectively, in a more cost effective way, when compared to traditional surveying methods.

Seafloor have a strong history of developing cutting-edge  hydrographic surveying solutions over the last 20 years and a reputation for quality, reliability and first rate customer service. Offering options to accommodate complex multibeam sonar and similar payloads, adapting them for the needs of hydrographers for different survey applications, scenarios, and environments.

Hydrone

The HyDrone USV is Seafloor Systems’ compact, 1.2m remote controlled and autonomous catamaran-style survey platform designed to carry very simple, lightweight technology payloads. The HyDrone USV is suitable for calm, protected waters, and tight spaces.

TriDrone – Foldable Unmanned Surface Vessel

The TriDrone™ USV is a super-compact, portable platform for conducting hydrographic surveys in confined & remote bodies of water.

With remotely controlled capabilities, a durable assembly, and a hull-integrated single beam echosounder, this USV brings automation and efficiency to any work site. The USV gains stability from its triple pontoon design and folds into thirds for one- person transport.

Its maneuverable servo thruster steers the USV into previously unreachable zones with heightened precision and repeatability. Safely conduct hydrographic surveys from the shore and increase productivity in the field with the TriDrone™.

Trident

The Trident USV™ is a remote platform purpose-built for multibeam hydrographic surveys. This trimaran collects high resolution depth data via remote control or preplanned autonomous routes, and reaches areas inaccessible by larger survey vessels.
The sonar bay of the center hull allows for flexible integration of various compact multibeam systems, and the outriggers detach for one-person transport. Extend the capabilities and flexibility of your surveys with the Trident USV.

EchoBoat-160

The EchoBoat-160 is Seafloor Systems’ more versatile 1.8m monohull remotely operated and autonomous survey platform. Its thru-hull mounting system allows for maximum flexibility to swap different systems and payloads in/out. It can handle slightly rougher conditions than the HyDrone.

We also offer an integrated remote-controlled profiling winch to lower a sound velocity profiler for multibeam surveys, or similar CTD / water quality sensors.The EchoBoat-160 is a cost-effective option used to perform hydrographic or hydrologic surveys with single beam, multibeam, sidescan, ADCP, or multi- sensor payload in remote, shallow, or dangerous areas, or when routine surveys can be done more cost effectively with 1-2 person crew from shore.

Echboat – 240

The EchoBoat-240 is a larger, scaled up version of the standard workhorse EchoBoat-160 remote controlled and autonomous survey platform. It was developed for applications requiring the highest resolution sensor suite available, and to remain more stable in conditions rougher than the standard EchoBoat-160 can handle.

With the new EchoBoat-240 platform, the user no longer has to sacrifice performance to meet payload capacity. The mounting well is designed around models including the Teledyne SeaBat T50/T20, the R2Sonic 2024, or the larger Norbit iWBMS-STX models. Still two person transportable, it is an ideal model to launch from a trailer or cart in areas where a crewed boat is not necessary. Or launched via a davit off a survey boat, to be used as a force multiplier alongside your crewed survey vessel, working in shallower areas or alongside the main boat.

EchoBoat-240 features include:

• Rugged, pollutant-resistant HDPE hull for maximum durability
• Wave-piercing displacement hull shape
• Actuating thrusters
• Integrated Battery with external AC Power charging port
• Intelligent power supply with protected power management
• Configurable cargo deck and internal equipment rack
• Integrated Industrial PC and Wi-Fi Communication

HydroCat-180

The HydroCat-180 is Seafloor Systems largest USV platform. It is a 5.5m Catamaran, with independent articulated hulls and a gimballed deck, designed specifically to handle rough conditions and manipulate over waves while keeping the payload stable. It includes a remote- controlled retractable sonar arm, Remote controlled profiling winch, large waterproof equipment enclosure, and ample space for a customized multi-sensor payload, with both fixed mounted and towed sensors.
This model is designed for more coastal offshore use, SS2-SS3 conditions.

While it is not an “offshore” platform, it is an ideal system to use as a force multiplier for survey large open areas and near shore work. Below, we have an Integrated Dual Head SeaBat T50 installed.

Custom Unmanned Surface Vessels

If your project needs a custom solution, Seafloor Systems’ USVs can be adapted and for specific projects either big or small for inshore or offshore use. Offering custom sensor integration for applications including hydrographic survey, security, MCM, Inspection, and Monitoring.

See our range of Seafloor Systems USVs or contact us for more information on 0800 453 422 or info@globalsurvey.co.nz