Central to the versatility and cost-economy of the REAV-16 is its small size. At 1.58m in length, and 1.17m breadth the REAV-16 is a two-person portable USV which can be rapidly mobilised to perform a wide range of hydrographic, oceanographic or environmental survey tasks within inland and sheltered waters.
The symmetrically hulled catamaran has robust LLDPE hulls which provide excellent buoyancy, enabling the USV to carry a variety of instruments including multibeam, single beam and side scan sonar, ADCPs and LiDAR sensors.
Optimal Control Solution
The REAV-16 is controlled using an EIVA autopilot module which integrates into NaviSuite Kuda, EIVA’s hydrographic survey software bundle - a solution that excels at automated and remote hydrographic surveys. The software can generate runlines automatically, even calculating them in real-time based on collected data.
This solution provides precise line-keeping with typical accuracy of +/- 15cm, even in sharp turns through speed control and real-time optimal runline generation that prevents overshooting.
The automation benefits include:
- Waypoint autonomy
- Heading control
- Station-keeping
- Manual joystick mode
With two Torqeedo Ultralight 403 electric outboard motors, powered by designated 915Wh lithium batteries, the REAV-16’s autopilot system supports steering in combined vectoring and rudder modes. It also provides monitoring of the outboard motor and battery status, by integrating directly with Torqeedo’s TQ-Bus, providing alarms to notify operators when the batteries are low.
A separate general service battery provides uninterrupted power to the embedded survey PC, and command, control and communication systems.
Live monitoring and visualisation of the mission and sensor data quality control is performed from NaviSuite Kuda on a separate base control station PC. For docking, or when otherwise needed it is possible to take control of the USV using a radio-controlled joystick.