AUV System Spec Sheet

HarborScan configuration

Platform: HarborScan
Developer: Vehicle Control Technologies
Manufacturer: Vehicle Control Technologies

Summary

Designed for harbor operations, the HarborScan is an integrated product from VCT and L-3 Klein for ultra high-resolution underwater inspection of ship hulls and piers in addition to bottom surveys.

The HarborScan is a 7.5″ portable unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) equipped with dual-frequency L-3 Klein side scan sonar. Easily transported to the pier in a pickup truck for launch, it can be on station collecting photo-quality images in a matter of minutes. Free of a tether, the HarborScan can execute missions beyond the reach of an ROV
while the operator stays pierside.

All moving parts are field-swappable for maintainability, and the open software interface makes customization simple.

2-PERSON LAUNCH & RECOVERY
VCT designed the HarborScan with portability in mind. Its light weight (116 lbs) and dual handles make it easy for two people to lift out of the water from a boat or pier. Additionally, its small size (7.5″ x 98.5″) will fit in a pickup truck or small van.

ULTRA HIGH-RESOLUTION SONAR
The HarborScan is equipped with industry-leading L-3 Klein UUV 3500 side scan sonar, capable of producing photo-quality images at distances up to 80 meters on each side with a resolution of 0.3 cm, or high-quality images at distances up to 250 meters with 1.5 cm resolution. The sonar engine simultaneously processes a separate data stream for high accuracy, co-registered swath bathymetry.

AUTONOMOUS OPERATION
Unlike ROVs or towfish, the HarborScan has a propulsion system and internal NiMH or Li battery, so it can perform sonar imaging missions without a tow craft or power cables.

SIMPLE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Field repairs are a snap thanks to the HarborScan’s modular design. All moving parts are housed in the tailcone, which can be replaced in under 30 minutes using a standard hex wrench.

OPERATOR’S CONSOLE
The HarborScan Operator’s Console allows the user to manage vehicle operations such as creating mission plans, editing vehicle configuration, downloading logs, and monitoring real-time vehicle status. A map component with nautical charts is provided for mission planning and display of real-time vehicle position.

The HarborScan’s position is transmitted to the console via any of the communications links available (Wi-Fi, Iridium, acoustic modem.) In addition, vehicle and mission status are relayed over all communications links. At any time the operator can send commands to the vehicle over desired communication channels to start and stop missions or return to a predefined location.

An additional web interface is provided that allows an operator to manage a subset of vehicle functionality over Wi-Fi using the standard web browser on a computer, smart phone, or tablet.