SwarmDiver

Multiple SwarmDiver vehicles during swarm testing (image courtesy of Aquabotix).

SwarmDiver is an unmanned undersea vehicle developed by the American company Aquabotix to conduct defense, oceanography, aquaculture, research and hydrographic survey missions. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously as a single coordinated entity by a single operator on the surface. 

Whitney Million, Aquabotix’s chief executive officer, said: “This vehicle is a game-changer for both the industry and Aquabotix. Until today, there were simply no micro hybrid USV/UUV vehicles and no swarming unmanned vehicles with diving capabilities, commercially available in the industry. 

“Maritime swarming is rapidly becoming an area of focus for naval forces globally, and SwarmDiver™ leads a revolution in underwater technologies. SwarmDiver™ advances amphibious warfare tactics as it is engineered to handle dynamic operational situations.”

SwarmDiver Specifications

Propulsion: 2 Brushless DC Motors

Speed: up to 4.3 Knots

Endurance/Range: up to 2.5 Hours / 7 km / 4.3 Miles

Operating Depth: 50 meters

Swarm Capability: 40 or more vehicles

Communications: Dual Radio 900MHz / 2.4 GHz 

Sensors: Temperature & Pressure  

Navigation: GPS & IMU / Compass 

Swarming Test Video

Swarm testing with the U.S. Navy. Defense missions could include swarming to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, hydrographic survey, and simultaneous attack of surface vessels.