AUV System Spec Sheet

VT HSAUV configuration

Platform: VT High Speed AUV
Manufacturer: Virginia Tech Autonomous Systems and Controls Laboratory

Summary

High Speed AUV
Overview
The Virginia Tech High-Speed AUV was developed to support design and demonstration of a very small, very high-speed AUV. The project went from concept to first successful open-water trial in 10 months. Principal characteristics of the AUV are

• Max speed: >15 knots
• Diameter 3 inches
• Length: ~3 feet
• Mass: up to 50% greater than displacement

The AUV is much heavier than the water it displaces, and sinks quickly when not in controlled flight. Therefore we developed a controlled nose-down hover mode that the AUV utilizes when not moving. Unlike almost any other AUV, the High Speed AUV possesses very little separation between its center of mass and its center of buoyancy. Thus we have developed an active roll control capability that stabilizes roll motion while in flight and hover.