AUV System Spec Sheet

Powered Tow Body configuration

Platform: Powered Tow Body
Manufacturer: Vehicle Control Technologies

Summary

Powered Tow BodyTM
VCT has designed its Powered Tow Body (PTB) for mine hunting, oceanographic, ISR and ASW missions. The PTB is an ideal low risk test bed for UUV subsystem development (energy & high value sensors).The PTB is a towed UUV with propulsion applied from both the towing craft and the on-board UUV’s propulsion. By varying the UUV thrust, a loop is formed in the cable, which reduces tow craft induced motions by 80%, which in turn, permits Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) operation in sea state from an 11 meter RHIB. By power sharing with the host vehicle, mission endurance is significantly increased. Other features include increased power for payloads and real-time data back to host ship.

System Specs•    

    •    Diameter: 12.75”
    •    Length: 87”- 140”
    •    Weight: 280 lbs
    •    Depth: 1000ft
    •    Max Speed:
          ◦    UUV 12-14 Kts
          ◦    PTB 7 Kts
    •    Propulsion: 1.8 kW
    •    IMU: HG-1700/3DM-GX1
    •    Tracking: USBL
    •    Depth and Altitude Sensors
    •    Noise Spec: None
    •    Locating System: Emergency Pinger
    •    Pressure Vessel: Aluminum
    •    Freeflood: Carbon Fiber or Fiberglass
    •    Lightweight integrated LARS with Universal Docking System (UDS) for UUV, Glider and PTB launch and recovery.

UUV design adapts to PTB for low risk T&E of UUV components
No impact on UUV design objectives
On deck change-over in 30 min for 12.75” vehicle
Currently being used in prototype risk reduction testing for LDUUV