The first unmanned research vessel constructed by Aigaio RCB was completed in six months.
Technology leads to solutions for things we could not have imagined until a few years ago. At sea, Greece innovates and provides solutions to issues concerning many sectors, such as defence, rescue, transport, etc.
This time, Greek innovation appeared in the form of a compact unmanned research vessel built in Chalkida for the Engineering Products and Systems department of the University of the Aegean in Syros.
Who built it?
The AEROSEA 1 was built by the company Aigaio RCB, which is active in constructing small vessels aimed at hobbyists and professionals.
The head of the Chalkida-based company, Vasilis Vasilaropoulos, has been specialising in this sector for more than 13 years. The new vessel is ready to be delivered and participate in the European Research Project CREXDATA (Critical Action Planning over Extreme-Scale Data).
It travels a distance of 50 miles.
The vessel is a USV (unmanned surface vehicle), meaning it is unmanned and has remote control capabilities. It can use 5G technology, is electric, and can travel for almost 10 hours in the water.
Its length is 2.5 metres, its width is 1.8 metres, and its height is 1.60 metres. The vessel weighs 110kg, moves through water at speeds of 7-8 mph and in weather conditions up to 4 Beaufort, and can cover distances of up to 50 nautical miles.
The handling is done automatically before AEROSEA 1 starts its mission in the water. The operator lays out out the sailing plan, and the vessel follows the course. It should be noted that the USV can avoid obstacles (e.g., boats) by using specific software.
Where can it be used?
Such a vessel can be used for seabed mapping, search and rescue, controlling floating wind turbines and fish farms, and transporting medicines.
The official presentation of AEROSEA 1 is scheduled for July 7 in Syros.
Vasilis Sarimbalides is a columnist for News Auto.
READ MORE: The three most expensive used cars sold in Greece.
