Sea trials of the electric unmanned surface vessel (USV) "Vector" have begun in St. Petersburg. Developers are testing the platform's control, sensor operation, and the vessel's ability to independently recognize obstacles.
The project was created by St. Petersburg's NPP "ELVO", the Volgograd team "Aqua-Volga", and Murmansk's "Kolskaya Verf" with the support of the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CBST). During trials, the vessel is controlled both programmatically and by an operator, which allows for evaluation of its maneuverability and the operation of its main systems.
The next stage will be deeper automation. Developers expect that "Vector" will be able to perform tasks without constant operator control, including 24/7 operation, in case of communication loss, and without satellite navigation. For this purpose, the vessel is equipped with a complex of sensors used for navigation and obstacle detection.
The platform's range of tasks is not limited to patrolling. "Vector" can be used for surveying extended and area objects, depth measurements, monitoring the condition of hydraulic structures, cargo transportation, and communication relay. Another direction is providing support for unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles.
The vessel features a modular architecture. Depending on the task, the composition of sensors, propulsion system, and hull material can be changed. Based on the platform, developers plan to create an entire family of USVs.
Potential customers are already interested in 4, 6, and 8-meter versions. A 12-meter hydrofoil variant is also being considered separately.