trials | DEEPDOCK

USV & Autonomy Test Results

Objective

Place SARDINE prototype on the water for first float & manoeuvring test.

Setup

Calm canal conditions, manual RC control.

Result

Vessel floats stably, no leaks observed, propulsion responds correctly.

Marked as the first successful step toward SHARK trials.

Objective

Conduct first float-out of the SHARK prototype.
Assess watertight integrity, hydrostatics, and overall stability under various load cases.
Determine displacement, draft, and reserve buoyancy without propulsion engaged.

Setup

Launch in sheltered waters under calm conditions.
Hull inspected and instrumented for water ingress monitoring.
Incremental deadweight loading applied (ballast weights, batteries, payload mock-ups) to simulate operational mass.
Inclining test performed to evaluate metacentric height and transverse stability.
Observation of trim, heel, and freeboard under lightship and loaded conditions.

Result

Vessel achieved positive buoyancy across all tested load cases.
Freeboard and draft measurements aligned with design predictions.
No evidence of structural deformation or hull leakage after static float and ballast cycles.
Stability margins confirmed adequate for subsequent outfitting and propulsion integration.
Stage successfully validated SHARK’s readiness for powered sea trials.

Objective

Validate propulsion system performance, steering response, and remote-control reliability.
Assess handling qualities including turning radius, acceleration, and crash-stop behavior.
Monitor propulsion efficiency, vibration, and thermal performance under varying loads.

Setup

Conducted in sheltered waters with calm to moderate conditions.
SHARK operated via remote control (Herelink / RC) with continuous telemetry monitoring.
Progressive power runs from low to full throttle; manoeuvring sequences including turning circles, zig-zag test, and crash-stop drills.
Safety observer and recovery craft on standby.

Result

Propulsion engaged smoothly across the full power range; thrust output consistent with design expectations..
Steering response precise with stable turning behavior; minimum tactical diameter within acceptable limits.
Crash-stop test executed successfully with vessel maintaining directional stability.
Endurance run demonstrated stable thermal performance of propulsion and control electronics.
Remote control link remained stable throughout trials, confirming readiness for transition to autonomous waypoint testing..

Objective

Demonstrate fully autonomous navigation using pre-programmed waypoints without remote helm input.
Verify autopilot algorithms for track-keeping, speed control, and waypoint transitions.
Assess video link stability for real-time situational awareness and confirm telemetry redundancy.
Test safety features: geofence enforcement, return-to-home (RTH), and manual override protocols.

Setup

Waypoint mission uploaded via mission planner with mixed track legs (straight runs, tight turns, loiter).
All propulsion and steering commands executed by the onboard autonomy system.
Continuous video streaming from onboard camera to ground station; telemetry relayed in parallel.
Fail-scenario drills: loss of video, loss of command link, simulated GPS degradation.

Result

SHARK completed waypoint circuit with cross-track error within defined tolerances.
Speed profiles and course corrections executed smoothly; transitions between waypoints were stable.
Live video link remained clear with minimal latency, providing reliable operator oversight.
On loss-of-link drill, vessel initiated automatic return-to-home; geofence excursion triggered hold-and-alert as designed.
Manual override successfully re-established control during approach, validating layered safety.
Stage confirmed SHARK’s baseline autonomous navigation capability and readiness for expanded mission profiles.