Technology Approach (in Preparation)

The uncrewed surface vessel would serve as the primary operational platform and backbone of the system. It provides mobility, stability, power generation, and communications for extended missions in coastal, nearshore, and flood environments. Designed to operate safely in challenging sea states, the USV acts as a stable base for sensor payloads and tethered aerial operations.

In addition to navigation and station keeping, the USV functions as a communications hub, relaying data between onboard sensors, the tethered UAV, and onshore operators. Its endurance allows it to remain on station for prolonged periods without fatigue, which is critical during extended SAR operations. The platform is designed to integrate with existing command-and-control workflows, rather than replace them. This makes the USV a practical and complementary asset for emergency services.

The tethered UAV would provide persistent aerial overwatch, addressing one of the main limitations of conventional battery-powered drones. By receiving continuous power and a secure data connection through the tether, the UAV can operate for hours or days rather than minutes. This enables uninterrupted EO/IR surveillance during prolonged search and rescue missions.

Operating from the USV, the tethered UAV maintains a stable vantage point above the operational area, even in poor visibility or at night. It can support wide-area observation, focused inspection, and spotlighting when required. The tether also enhances operational safety by reducing the risk of uncontrolled loss or drift. Overall, the tethered UAV significantly extends the temporal and spatial awareness available to SAR teams.

Underwater detection remains one of the most challenging aspects of search and rescue operations. To address this, the system integrates sonar-based sensing capable of operating in shallow, turbid, and low-visibility waters. Depending on mission requirements, this may include side-scan sonar for area coverage and imaging sonar for near-field localization.

These sensors support faster and more systematic searches beneath the surface, reducing reliance on time-consuming manual methods. When combined with surface and aerial data, underwater sensing helps build a more complete operational picture. The goal is not automated identification, but improved localization and situational awareness for human operators. This capability is particularly relevant in coastal waters, harbors, and flood scenarios.

The system would be designed around a modular payload architecture to support a wide range of SAR scenarios. Sensors and mission equipment can be selected and configured based on operational needs without altering the core platform. Typical payloads include EO/IR cameras, searchlights, loudhailers, sonar systems, and communications equipment.

This modularity allows agencies to tailor deployments to specific environments, such as surf zones, inland flooding, or port areas. It also supports incremental capability growth as requirements evolve. By keeping SAR as the primary design driver, the architecture remains focused on safety, clarity, and operational usefulness. Optional secondary configurations can be supported without compromising the system’s core mission.

The system would use machine-assisted pattern recognition to support operators by highlighting relevant features across combined aerial EO/IR and subsurface sonar data. These tools are designed to assist human decision-making, improving detection and situational awareness while keeping operators fully in control at all times.

The system is designed with a strong emphasis on human-in-the-loop control. Autonomy is used to assist operators, not to replace human judgment. Core functions such as navigation assistance, collision avoidance, and sensor management are handled by onboard systems to reduce operator workload.

AI-assisted pattern recognition supports operators by highlighting potential points of interest across combined aerial EO/IR and subsurface sonar data. These tools help correlate information from different sensors, improving situational awareness in complex environments. All decision authority remains with the human operator at all times. This approach aligns with SAR ethics, regulatory expectations, and the practical realities of emergency response operations.

Safety and reliability would be central to the system’s design philosophy. All components are developed with redundancy, fail-safe behavior, and predictable operation in mind. Communications links are designed to degrade gracefully rather than fail abruptly, ensuring continued situational awareness whenever possible.

The system is intended to integrate into existing SAR command structures and comply with applicable maritime and aviation regulations. Emphasis is placed on transparency, explainability, and operator trust. By prioritizing realistic deployment scenarios over experimental autonomy, the platform aims to support real-world operations from the outset. This makes it suitable for collaboration with public safety agencies and regulatory stakeholders.