A method for underwater exploration and/or recovery of objects and/or things using a submersible vehicle assembly and underwater powered observation system using a camera and source of light of a green laser to be directed to the underside of the surface of the water so as to locate the vehicle assembly by the green laser. In this manner the vehicle assembly may be utilized for the underwater tasks of locating objects and/or things on a surface of the underwater environment.

Provided is a capsule for mounting a drone. The capsule for mounting a drone includes a body having a first space for accommodating a drone and a second space provided to surround at least a portion of the first space, a base portion provided in the first space so that a drone is mounted, and a valve provided in the body to open or close the second space so that external fluid is introduced into the second space.

Provided is a capsule for mounting a drone. The capsule for mounting a drone includes a body having a first space for accommodating a drone and a second space provided to surround at least a portion of the first space, a base portion provided in the first space so that a drone is mounted, and a valve provided in the body to open or close the second space so that external fluid is introduced into the second space.

A launch canister for ejection from a submerged launch platform, the launch canister being adapted for ejection in a direction substantially along a first axis of the launch canister and comprising: an enclosure for carrying a UAV; a nose cap releasably located in a launch opening at a forward end of the launch canister; a launch mechanism for driving a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening in a direction substantially along said first axis; and a water surface sensor for detecting when the nose cap of the canister broaches the surface of the water; wherein the launch canister is configured to, on the water surface sensor detecting that the nose cap of the canister has broached the surface of the water, immediately release the nose cap and initiate the launch mechanism to drive a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening.

A launch canister for ejection from a submerged launch platform, the launch canister being adapted for ejection in a direction substantially along a first axis of the launch canister and comprising: an enclosure for carrying a UAV; a nose cap releasably located in a launch opening at a forward end of the launch canister; a launch mechanism for driving a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening in a direction substantially along said first axis; and a water surface sensor for detecting when the nose cap of the canister broaches the surface of the water; wherein the launch canister is configured to, on the water surface sensor detecting that the nose cap of the canister has broached the surface of the water, immediately release the nose cap and initiate the launch mechanism to drive a UAV carried in the enclosure out of the launch canister through the launch opening.

A subsea vehicle capable of supporting inspection of underwater objects while underway includes a body that provides a capability to allow the subsea vehicle to submerge underwater and follow or position near an object while maintaining an orientation to the object appropriate for inspection of, and safety requirements for, the object. The vehicle includes a set of deployable, semi-rigid arms to support the movement of inspection sensor probes near or lightly touching the inspection target with the probes. A controller helps tracks the intended inspection object using various sensor inputs along with a priori knowledge of the object to drive and position the subsea vehicle such that the appropriate orientation to the inspection target is maintained.

A subsea vehicle capable of supporting inspection of underwater objects while underway includes a body that provides a capability to allow the subsea vehicle to submerge underwater and follow or position near an object while maintaining an orientation to the object appropriate for inspection of, and safety requirements for, the object. The vehicle includes a set of deployable, semi-rigid arms to support the movement of inspection sensor probes near or lightly touching the inspection target with the probes. A controller helps tracks the intended inspection object using various sensor inputs along with a priori knowledge of the object to drive and position the subsea vehicle such that the appropriate orientation to the inspection target is maintained.

The invention discloses an integrated detection method of electromagnetic searching, locating and tracking for subsea cables. After being launched into water, the cable-tracking AUV carries out primary Z-shaped reciprocating sailing to search the electromagnetic signal of the target subsea cable, when the electromagnetic signal reaches a preset threshold value, the AUV executes the cable-tracking detection. In the tracking process, if the target electromagnetic signal intensity is lower than the preset threshold, it is determined that subsea cable tracking is lost. At this time, the secondary Z-shaped cable-researching route planning and tracking are performed based on the lost point. In the process that the AUV autonomously tracks and detects the subsea cable, relative locating between AUV and subsea cable is performed based on the electromagnetic signal radiated by the subsea cable, and autonomous tracking control under the guidance of the electromagnetic locating signal is performed.

The invention discloses an integrated detection method of electromagnetic searching, locating and tracking for subsea cables. After being launched into water, the cable-tracking AUV carries out primary Z-shaped reciprocating sailing to search the electromagnetic signal of the target subsea cable, when the electromagnetic signal reaches a preset threshold value, the AUV executes the cable-tracking detection. In the tracking process, if the target electromagnetic signal intensity is lower than the preset threshold, it is determined that subsea cable tracking is lost. At this time, the secondary Z-shaped cable-researching route planning and tracking are performed based on the lost point. In the process that the AUV autonomously tracks and detects the subsea cable, relative locating between AUV and subsea cable is performed based on the electromagnetic signal radiated by the subsea cable, and autonomous tracking control under the guidance of the electromagnetic locating signal is performed.

A laser-powered ice-penetrating communications payload delivery vehicle for sub-ice submarine missions enables under-ice operations to exchange information with terrestrial facilities or satellite networks with communications methods otherwise blocked by an ice cap. The vehicle comprises an electronics bay, a payload bay, optics bay, and a melt optic with laser. The system and method of establishing communication where the vehicle, tethered to a sub-ice vessel, is released. The vehicle ascends to the bottom of an ice sheet and uses a laser to melt the ice, forming a borehole through which the vehicle continues to ascend. When buoyancy no longer advances the vehicle beyond sea level, the vehicle continues to melt a conical opening through the ice until unobstructed atmosphere is reached and bi-directional communication is established. Where the melting capacity cannot reach ice to continue melting, the vehicle mechanically advances itself toward the surface to establish high bandwidth, bi-directional communication.