A new Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) for inland waterways surveying has presented its ability to follow programmed survey missions. Micro Rapid Environmental Assessment Vessel (mREAV) is also able to provide live survey data, in order to create precise bathymetries in shallow-water or dangerous environments.
mREAV was created by Safeguard Nautica and Regyar and has completed initial trials in the South West of England, where it was operated in still water high-current environment.
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According to Reygar’s managing director Chris Huxley-Reynard, the vessel can incorporate several survey equipment, enabling it to map factors such as bathymetry, river flow rate, water quality and temperature.
Its propulsion system is designed in such way to offer more control, while the trials indicated a new way for low-cost survey acquisition for contingency projects.
The USV can be carried in small vehicles, whereas its hull is able to reduce flow disturbance. This led to a sensor platform less than 1m in length, which weighis no more than 20kg.
