The PBUSV-1 is a remote-controlled 23' foot unmanned surface vessel (USV) capable of carrying out a wide range of naval or maritime missions. The PBUSV-1 is equipped with a full array of sensors required for remote operation and any of a variety of mission specific payloads. Two personnel: a Helmsman and a Payload Operator, operate the PBUSV-1 from twin control consoles installed on land or onboard ship. 

The PBUSV-1 is based on a standard Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and consists of a hull with inflated collar, covers, mast and a single diesel engine with jet propulsion. The vessel incorporates an onboard firefighting system to detect any fire and automatically extinguish while it’s  bilge pumps operate automatically to pump out any seawater in case of flooding. 

The PBUSV-1 carries, as standard, a state-of-the-art electro-optical/Infrared stabilized payload with laser rangefinder, used for effective surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting missions, by day or by night. It’s sensor systems (radar, safety cameras) are mounted to the hull or onto the aluminum roll bar. The onboard electronic systems and connections are sealed and protected from maritime conditions, according to standard specifications. The PBUSV-1’s control and communication systems modular design architecture enables the vessel to smoothly interface with other C4I systems.

A variable, mission specific payload can also be installed, according to customer requirements. With its payloads, The PBUSV-1 can perform a wide variety of missions such as:

• Intelligence
• Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)
• Interception of Infiltrators and Suspicious Persons
• Interception and Inspection of Suspicious Watercraft
• Maritime Border Patrol
• Mine Detection, Placement and Removal
• Offshore Drillling Rig and Production Platform Protection
• Offshore Pipeline Protection
• Reconnaissance
• Search and Rescue
• Surveillance
• Target Acquisition
• Troop Transport

The Three Ds

Dangerous

While any activity at sea carries some element of risk, some mission types, such as mine clearing, laser target illumination, or close inspection of suspect vessels are especially hazardous. Using PBUSV-1 on such missions could save lives. It could also eliminate the
hesitation factor about whether or not to risk the lives of brave but vulnerable seamen.

Dull

Many long routine patrols, such as Homeland Security missions, can become very dull. In poor weather or bad sea conditions, they can also be very uncomfortable. These stresses can
dramatically reduce crew alertness and effectiveness. Dull and Dangerous are often combined, for instance in routine patrols against possible smugglers or terrorists. The PBUSV-1 can be programmed to follow a patrol route with minimum operator intervention. The PBUSV-1 can remain on-station for long periods of time. The remote operators of the PBUSV-1 won’t get seasick, and the dullness factor can be averted by shortening their work shifts.

Dirty

In certain environmental disasters, such as chemical spills or ABC warfare scenarios, a live crew could be incapacitated by fumes or radiation. The PBUSV-1 would be unaffected by such factors.
 

Operational Advantages and Cost Effectiveness

Because it doesn’t include crew accommodation or carry crew supplies, The PBUSV-1 is made smaller than most manned vessels that are designed for the same role. A smaller vessel size can bring a number of advantages, including:

• Smaller Visual and Radar Signatures
• Ease of Deployment
• Less Use of Deck Space (Fr Ship-Launched USV)
• Lower Cost of Smaller Hull
• Lower Operational Costs

The PBUSV-1 is, as an option, available in a dual-use configuration, i.e. manned or unmanned. The dual-use PBUSV-1 can be used to replace a conventional manned vessel on a ship deck, without loosing any operational flexibility.

Operational costs of the PBUSV-1 can be significantly lower than for a manned vessel, depending on deployment and operational policies. Areas in which savings can be made include:

• Crew Wages
• Cost of Crew Re-Supply at Sea
• Cost of Crew Rescue Services on Standby

Advantages of Centralized Control

A vessel at sea is a relatively isolated unit. Unlike an aircraft, which is at all times under civilian or military radar surveillance, a vessel will often not be under any radar surveillance. Unfortunately, some commanders of patrol boats may take advantage of that by “cutting corners” and shortening their patrol missions in order to return to base earlier. Far more serious, some may even take bribes at sea from smugglers who are willing to pay for non-interference in their illegal activities.

With a USV, on the other hand, the vessel position is continuously tracked in real time at the Mission Control Station (MCS). It is not possible to bribe a USV, because all interactions with other vessels are centrally controlled and recorded.
 

Further Information

If you would like to receive further information about the PBUSV-1 Unmanned Surface Vessel, contact NetStar Technologies Sales at (361) 578-6387.