Development of a semi-submersible autonomous surface vehicle for control of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles

A new autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) has been developed for control of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Because it is semi-submersible type, the attitude in the sea surface waves is stable though the size is smaller than typical ASV. The cruising speed (3 kt) is confirmed in the testing basin. The operational concepts for control of multiple AUVs are discussed.