Solus-LR Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Quick Information
Solus-LR is a long-range hydrogen fuel cell powered Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with an operational range greater than 2000 km.
Designed for port-to-port missions, Solus-LR provides a persistent subsea capability supporting ASW, ISR & MCM missions in addition to traditional subsea survey and inspection.
Used by the following organizations:
Design Highlights
Long Range
With a base range of 2000 km, the Solus-LR’s endurance enables port to port missions. This range can be further upgraded to over 4000 km for travelling even more impressive distances.
High Energy Density
A high-pressure Hydrogen and Oxygen fuel cell with a Li-Ion battery enables hybrid operation, allowing for the Solus-LR to complete multi-month submerged missions.
PERSISTENCE
Our patented suction anchor enables the vehicle to hold station at a surveillance location in a low power, quiet state for weeks or months - a feature unique to the Solus-LR.
Applications
Solus-LR’s architecture is inherently modular and flexible; the vehicle design can be customized to meet specific mission objectives.
Port to Port Missions
Solus-LR can be launched and recovered from boat ramps and docks, eliminating the need for vessels and saving your company money on expensive ship time. When powered by Solus-LR’s fuel cell, the AUV can travel long distances from one port to another.
Surface and subsurface surveillance
When at anchor, Solus-LR can operate in a quiet mode with the fuel cell shut down over long periods of time. With minimal acoustic emissions, Solus-LR is able to hold station in currents up to 2 m/s, covertly listen for a range of targets, and communicate back to base if a defined signature is observed.
Deployment and Recovery of payload packages
Solus-LR can be loaded with a payload package to be deployed from its bay doors. A variable buoyancy engine is used to offset the mass of the payload when deployed. The payload can be recovered by Solus-LR at a later time.
Geophysical Survey
Solus-LR is capable of surveying subsea areas and terrain using its sidescan sonar and magnetometer. A bathymetric chart of the target area can be generated using multibeam sonar, and analyzed for terrain features, slope angles and surface roughness.
Anti-Submarine Warfare
Solus-LR can be used to safely deploy anti-submarine warfare (ASW) barriers using a towed array. If a defined signature is observed during a mission, Solus-LR can communicate to headquarters and switch to an active mode to further locate the target.
Benefits
Longest-endurance survey AUV
Solus-LR’s novel suction anchor and fuel cell enables Solus-LR to hold station at a surveillance location in a low-power state for multiple months.
Powered by clean technology
The fuel cell is powered by hydrogen: a high-efficiency green fuel. The vehicle can operate without a fully manned surface vessel, reducing your carbon footprint and ensuring your operations are environmentally sustainable.
IHO compliant
Solus-LR is compliant with IHO standards for hydrographic surveys.
Payloads & Modules
Your choices of the following standard payloads can be included on Solus-LR. Other payloads can be integrated on request.
VLF towed array
Suction anchor
MBES, SAS, SSS/SBP
Camera & laser
OFG Self Compensating Magnetometer
CTD, pH, CO2 and other chemical sensors
Variable buoyancy system
Preliminary Specifications
Physical
Submerged Range: 2000 km
Length: 8.5 m
Diameter: 1 m
Weight: 3700 kg (air)
Speed: 0.7-2 m/s
Variable buoyancy system: 50 kg displacement
Energy & Control
High pressure Hydrogen/Oxygen fuel cell with 250 kWh usable energy
Li-Ion internal secondary battery
ROS based control architecture
Navigation & Communication
Sonardyne Sprint INS/DVL with USBL / LBL aiding
Sonardyne BC200 blue light modems when underwater
Sonardyne Avtrak 6 for acoustic communications
GPS, Iridium satellite and WiFi communications when surfaced
Safety and Handling
Fault & leak detection
Antenna with strobe and GPS
Drop-weight
Watchdog timers
Pop-off buoy & nose lift
Forward control planes for enhanced maneuverability
Forward looking obstacle avoidance sonar
Launch and recovery from a boat ramp (with a trailer), no vessels required.
Optional Features
Comprehensive support package: includes spares, support equipment, software, training, and post-processing.
Belly pack
Pop-up buoy
LARS
Gallery
![FullVehicle_P1490577.MP4_snapshot_02.44_[2021.02.01_14.35.37].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/591b4a93725e254bd9bea803/1639082327672-NA49XK2VXHKS3S2BV0S1/FullVehicle_P1490577.MP4_snapshot_02.44_%5B2021.02.01_14.35.37%5D.jpg)
Looking to Purchase?
We'll customize Solus-LR to fit your organization's needs - request a quote below and we'll be in contact. Have more questions before you purchase? Feel free to message us at [email protected] or through our contact form.