|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In an emerging technology, sensor technology is not limited only to the government or private sectors. However, this unprecedented technology is now seamlessly integrated with the nation’s security infrastructure and boasts capabilities that significantly enhance and fortify the defence apparatus. By leveraging this advancement, this integrated sensor system is pivotal in monitoring and safeguarding various aspects of national security, offering unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
Its cutting-edge features empower authorities to proactively detect and respond to potential threats, ensuring heightened situational awareness. The comprehensive integration of this advanced sensor technology spans critical sectors, including border surveillance, cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, and infrastructure protection.
Besides its prowess in bolstering national security, the integration of advanced sensor technology in the vessel also underscores its commitment to environmental friendliness. Climate change and environmental conservation are critical global priorities in an era where the Bluebottle sets a precedent by aligning military technology with eco-friendly practices.
The New Zealand Government is set to trial an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), offering a versatile platform for various roles. The His Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Aotearoa is transporting the Bluebottle, a USV designed and manufactured by the USV company in Australia, from Sydney to Auckland. Once operational, the Bluebottle will undertake maritime tasks at sea without fuel or personnel, marking a significant step in leveraging digital technology for naval operations.
The Bluebottle, powered by solar, wind, or wave energy, represents a cutting-edge approach to maritime autonomy. It is also equipped with a retractable rigid sail for wind propulsion. The vessel incorporates photo-electric cells on the sail to drive its motor. In the absence of sunlight and wind, the Bluebottle employs a unique flipper and rudder device for steering and propulsion. With a top speed of five knots and the ability to operate at sea indefinitely in challenging wave conditions (up to sea state 7), the USV brings a new dimension to autonomous maritime operations.
This Unmanned Surface Vessels company’s innovative design has already garnered attention and success, with multiple USVs utilised by the Australian Defence Force and collaborations with agencies such as the Australian Border Force and various energy and scientific organisations. The vessel’s capabilities include fishery protection, border protection, and meteorological data collection, showcasing its potential for multifaceted applications.
Critical sensors, including radar, electro-optic, and infrared cameras, ensure the USV’s safe and effective operation, allowing for system control and the identification of other vessels. The Bluebottle will be monitored and operated from a control room at the Devonport Naval Base, utilising mobile phone signals near the shore and high- and low-bandwidth satellite communication when offshore.
The deployment of the USV aligns with the expansive nature of New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the fifth-largest in the world at over four million square kilometres. Commodore Garin Golding, the RNZN’s Maritime Component Commander, expresses excitement about the potential of the USV in covering the vast oceanic territory and fulfilling search and surveillance tasks efficiently.
Golding noted the positive outcomes observed in partner militaries using unmanned drone aircraft and vessels for similar purposes. The Bluebottle’s autonomous capabilities demonstrated through extended activities in support of the Australian Government, make it an ideal candidate for addressing New Zealand’s maritime challenges.
Commander Andy Bryant, the RNZN’s Autonomous Systems Staff Officer, underscored the SUV’s versatility, emphasising its ability to be transported by trailer to various locations in New Zealand. Launching and recovering the vessel from boat ramps or using ship cranes for deployment during overseas operations highlight the adaptability and accessibility of the Bluebottle.
As New Zealand embraces the potential of the Bluebottle USV, this trial represents a pivotal moment in leveraging digital technology for maritime operations. The fusion of autonomy, renewable energy, and advanced sensors positions the USV as a key player in enhancing naval surveillance, security, and efficiency.
