Intelligent dynamic and predictive landing system for marine aerial vehicles to enable ship- and water-based operations

This project further develops and implements unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) autonomous landing on underway ships in a sea state under zero visibility (Canadian Arctic operations). The was developed, implemented, and verified by Dalhousie University on an experimental UAV to TRL 4.
The present project’s objective is to also implement the verified capabilities on an UAV (SHR F4) that is a product of a wholly-owned Canadian company. As well, the UAV autonomous landing capabilities will undergo further R&D so their UAV can land on rafts comparable to the UAV’s footprint and then directly on the water. The final product will undergo over-the-water tests, in phases, that transition from large indoor tanks with sea states to at-sea on boats and rafts.
The so enabled SHR F4 distinguishes SeaHawk Robotics from other COTS UAVs with its ability to land autonomously on ships and water very taxing conditions. To the best of the teams’ knowledge there is presently no such UAV abilities for marine applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mae L. Seto

Student:

Partner:

SeaHawk Robotics Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Transportation and warehousing

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: