Loitering high speed rescue craft

Purpose and goal:

The goal of the research was to determine whether the technology was advanced enough to allow for the construction of an unmanned, fast craft that could aid in rescue efforts in inaccessible ocean regions. Also, the goal was to create that concept so that it could be demonstrated to a larger audience. In such case, the concept would include a straightforward "CONOPs" and requirements specification, drawings, and computations, as well as a TRL review of important technologies.

The investigation of the ship´s maximum standing and waiting time at sea was a crucial deliverable. Expected results and effects:

The project´s results were successful. Thanks to the information the project generated, we were invited to two conferences (WMRC 2023 and RINA Surv 11). We will therefore get the chance to hear from international maritime rescue organizations.

Also, we were able to demonstrate that, despite some technical difficulties for the specific size of craft we are studying, it is theoretically feasible to construct the system we propose. One of the most challenging tasks will be that of finding a propulsion system with the needed performance and operating profile.

Approach and implementation:

We broke the project down into a number of work packages. Each very small work package produced outcomes that were directly related to the deliverables that were selected. That went reasonably well, but we learnt things along the way that changed the "necessity" and content of subsequent work packages. The plan served as a roadmap for us throughout the project, though.

One illustration of this is the wing-sail, which was taken off early since it needed the capacity to steer without the use of an engine. The water jet and the need to deal with submerged icebergs were not compatible with this.