Uncrewed Systems Technology 046

109 velocity sensor (SVS) profiling and conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) measurements. The vessel is also equipped with a situational awareness payload that monitors the area immediately around it and warns the operator of any collision risks. The collision avoidance suite is a new option on the Mk2, he says. He explains that the vessel’s mission computer runs open platform client software that enables any kind of sensor to be installed, automatic identification system (AIS) and software-defined radio (SDR) receivers being typical of the kinds of other systems operators add. In addition to the open computer platform, payload support facilities include a dedicated payload bay, power supply and a telemetry link supporting multiple bearers. Supplementing the internal bay are several other options for payload mounting and deployment, including a 300 mm 2 moon pool that provides access to the water through the hull, an antenna mounting frame and a reinforced deck at the bow. The telemetry link works with the comms suite, which can choose the best bearer for any given situation, switching automatically between satcom, LTE cellular comms and wi-fi, Manigot notes. While the comms range using wi-fi is limited to around 2 km, it is practically unlimited when connected to an LTE network or using its VSAT satcom installation, he says. Running at its survey speed of 2 knots, the IM 3000 can extend its 12-hour mission endurance to 16 hours with an extra battery pack, although naturally with less payload. Manigot quotes a top speed for the vessel of 14 knots. Daughter vessel While designed primarily for shore-based shallow water bathymetry and debris survey, it can also serve as a daughter vessel for a conventional survey ship, Manigot says. For example, one client is using it for an offshore cable debris survey in the Baltic, in an operation that includes both bathymetric work and water column imaging. Manigot explains that the USV is used in the tide zone, where the crewed mother ship cannot go. “The USV is operated from the beach while the survey vessel does the offshore part, so productivity is increased and transit times are optimised,” he says. Manigot describes the IM 3000 first shown at Oceanology International earlier this year as the ruggedised Mk2 version, which incorporates improvements based on operational experience with the Mk1. “We had a lot of interesting client IM Solutions Monodrone IM 3000 Mk2 | Digest in Uncrewed Systems Technology | October/November 2022 The Monodrone IM 3000 at speed; it can reach 14 knots in transit to its survey area, where it will normally cruise at 2 knots (Courtesy of IM Solutions/Christophe Le Potier) The red fenders are an important part of the ruggedisation measures integrated into the Mk2 version of the IM 3000 (Courtesy of IM Solutions/Christophe Le Potier)