Unmanned boat for joint use with unmanned aerial vehicles

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to unmanned surface vehicles carrying a replaceable payload and can be used to inspect hard-to-reach areas of waters, coastal structures, ice conditions and navigational objects using unmanned aerial vehicles and optical-electronic systems.

[0002] Unmanned boats with a rigid hull, remote control, motion sensors, and payload are known. Unmanned boats are also known to contain a video camera, snorkels, speed and pressure sensors, and a communication system with a shore-based operator complex.

[0003] A patent for invention No. 2,780,086 is known, which contains an unmanned boat - a carrier of an interchangeable payload, including a rigid hull, a remote control system and removable modules of an interchangeable payload, wherein on the longitudinal axis of the UBC there are bow and stern universal structural units for fastening the modules of the interchangeable payload, each of which contains a universal landing flange, characterized in that the UBC is additionally equipped with a removable universal safety device that simultaneously performs three functions - increases the stability of the boat at large angles of inclination; keeps the UBC afloat in the event of a hole in the hull and increases the safety of the UBC during mooring, containing two shelves on the left and right sides, attached to the hull of the boat, between which cylinders made of elastic polyurethane foam are rigidly installed, which are attached to the hull using studs and bolts passing through both shelves and cylinders.

[0004] A patent for invention No. 2852988 is known which contains a multi-medium unmanned robotic controlled boat made in the form of a rigid hull, which houses a satellite communication system with an autonomous remote control and storage of information with the GLONASS / GPS system, an auxiliary power system with ballast, a communication unit with the shore operator complex, speed sensors, pressure sensors, sensors that control the operation of the engine, the boat propeller is made in the form of a water jet, a rear vertical fin and horizontal control rudders, a video camera and snorkels, characterized in that the control of the boat movement is made with the possibility of transmitting commands by the operator through a video camera to the autonomous remote control and storage of information with the GLONASS / GPS system, while the video camera and snorkels are located in the upper part of the vertical fin, while the propeller engine can be: gasoline in the form of an internal combustion engine,an electric motor or a hybrid power plant, and the propulsion water jet is made double, the thrust vector of which passes in a horizontal plane under the waterline, coinciding with the center of gravity and lateral resistance of the boat hull, the air intake is equipped with closing and opening valves, and is also equipped with a place for placing cargo, mainly in the upper part of the hull, in the form of launch shafts with covers,

[0005] The disadvantage of known solutions is that the launch compartment does not provide an independent service complex for unmanned aerial vehicles, including optical-electronic control of launch, landing, and the state of the deck area.

[0006] The technical objective is to create a carrier boat capable of placing, releasing and receiving unmanned aerial vehicles from the hull of an unmanned boat with constant optical-electronic monitoring of the deck area and the surrounding environment.

[0007] The solution to the technical problem is ensured by the fact that an unmanned boat with an on-board complex of unmanned aerial vehicles, comprising a hull, a remote control system, a communication unit and a navigation unit, characterized in that at least one sealed compartment for accommodating an unmanned aerial vehicle is formed in the hull, and an optical-electronic system for monitoring the launch and reception of said device is installed on the hull, wherein the sealed compartment is provided with an openable cover and latches for the unmanned aerial vehicle and is configured to accommodate a charging or diagnostic unit for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a landing and receiving platform with visual reference points is placed on the hull, and the optical-electronic system contains a visible range camera, a thermal imaging and stereoscopic channel and is connected to a controller for launching and receiving the unmanned aerial vehicle,wherein the controller is configured to prohibit the opening of the latches in the presence of an obstacle in the launch zone, and wherein the communication unit is configured to relay the telemetry of the unmanned aerial vehicle through the unmanned boat to the operator.

[0008] The technical result consists in expanding the observation zone without increasing the dimensions of the boat and in increasing the reliability of launching and receiving unmanned aerial vehicles through the use of onboard optical-electronic control systems.

[0009] The boat comprises a hull, a remote control system, a navigation unit, a communication unit, at least one sealed compartment for an unmanned aerial vehicle, a landing and receiving platform or a guide cradle, and an optical-electronic deck area monitoring system.

[0010] The optical-electronic system contains a visible range camera, a thermal imaging channel or a small-sized stereo camera and is connected to the launch and reception controller of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0011] The compartment for the unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with an opening cover and means for fixing the device in the transport position.

[0012] When launching and receiving the unmanned aerial vehicle, the optoelectronic system monitors the position of the cover, the state of the landing zone, the relative position of the vehicle, and issues a permission signal to the controller only when the safety conditions are met.

[0013] The figure shows a diagram of the technical solution. Explanations for the figure: 1 - optical-electronic module of the boat; 2 - unmanned aerial vehicle; 3 - sealed compartment with a lid; 4 - landing and receiving pad; 5 - launch and reception control unit; 6 - communication and navigation unit; 7 - BEC body.

[0014] When the unmanned boat is in motion, the BEK 7 hull accommodates and structurally integrates the onboard equipment and protects the components housed within from the effects of the aquatic environment. The boat's coordinates, movement parameters, and mission-related data are determined and processed using the communication and navigation unit 6. This unit also facilitates information exchange with the external control center and, in the appropriate operating mode, with the unmanned aerial vehicle 2.

[0015] Until the moment of use, unmanned aerial vehicle 2 is located in sealed compartment 3. The closed cover of compartment 3 isolates the interior from splashes, precipitation, and the effects of the external environment during boat movement. Upon receiving a command to use the unmanned aerial vehicle, launch and reception control unit 5 generates a control sequence to prepare UAV 2 for launch and ensures that sealed compartment 3 is set to a state that allows the vehicle to be released.

[0016] After opening compartment cover 3, unmanned aerial vehicle 2 is put into takeoff readiness mode. Launch and reception control unit 5 interacts with the boat's onboard equipment and monitors launch operations. Simultaneously, optoelectronic module 1 monitors the area around unmanned aerial vehicle 2 and landing pad 4. The data received by optoelectronic module 1 is used to monitor safe launch conditions, the position of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the immediate vicinity of the boat.

[0017] Under acceptable launch conditions, unmanned aerial vehicle 2 takes off from the boat and begins its assigned flight program. Service information is exchanged between the boat, unmanned aerial vehicle 2, and the external control center via communication and navigation unit 6. The boat can continue along its assigned route or take a position specified by the joint program.

[0018] After completing its flight mission, unmanned aerial vehicle 2 returns to the area where the unmanned boat is located. Communication and navigation unit 6 provides navigation and telemetry information necessary for the boat and UAV to rendezvous with each other. During the final approach phase, optoelectronic module 1 monitors the position of unmanned aerial vehicle 2 relative to the hull of the unmanned boat 7 and the landing and receiving pad 4.

[0019] Unmanned aerial vehicle 2 descends to landing pad 4. Pad 4 forms a structurally defined reception area for the UAV and ensures its placement on the boat after the flight. Data from the optoelectronic module 1 is fed to the launch and reception control unit 5, which monitors the UAV's reception and determines the completion of the landing operation.

[0020] After confirming the landing of unmanned aerial vehicle 2, launch and reception control unit 5 ensures the sequence of operations for its movement or placement in sealed compartment 3, as provided by the boat's design. After the vehicle is positioned within the compartment, the lid of sealed compartment 3 is closed, thereby once again protecting unmanned aerial vehicle 2 from environmental influences.

[0021] Modern requirements for maritime security and operational intelligence dictate the need to develop highly integrated, autonomous maritime platforms. In this context, the concept of an unmanned boat equipped with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities represents a significant technological breakthrough.

[0022] This system goes beyond simple patrolling, becoming a multi-functional unit with the ability to expand the control and reconnaissance area due to the air component.

[0023] Optical-electronic monitoring of both the deck area where the UAV maneuvers and the entire surrounding environment provides an unprecedented level of situational awareness. This system must continuously process video streams, providing the operator (or onboard control system) with a complete picture of what is happening. This allows not only for the coordination of aerial maneuvers but also the timely detection of potential threats.

[0024] An unmanned boat with such multi-layered functionality is not just a surveillance tool, but a fully-fledged operational and tactical system. It combines the stability of an autonomous vessel with the maneuverability and reconnaissance depth of a UAV, while controlling all components from a single, continuously monitored control center. This integration enables significantly higher levels of survivability, operational efficiency, and tactical superiority in modern maritime operations.

[0025] The upper hull of the unmanned boat contains a sealed compartment with a lid, which houses a lightweight quadcopter. A landing pad with visual landmarks is installed next to the compartment, which is recognized by the drone's onboard camera and the boat's optoelectronic module. Before launch, the onboard controller verifies the absence of foreign objects on the deck using images, opens the lid, and releases the device's latches. After completing the inspection, the drone returns to the boat, and the boat's optoelectronic system controls its descent and landing. The drone is then secured in the compartment, and the lid is closed.

[0026] The technical solution can be manufactured using off-the-shelf housing, electronics, navigation, optoelectronic, sewing, composite, and fastening components. Specific dimensions, materials, power, and communication channels are selected during the design process based on the product's intended use, operating conditions, and safety requirements.

Claims

1. An unmanned boat for joint use with unmanned aerial vehicles, comprising a hull, a remote control system, a communication unit and a navigation unit, characterized in that a sealed compartment for accommodating an unmanned aerial vehicle is formed in the hull, provided with an opening cover and latches for the unmanned aerial vehicle, an optical-electronic system for monitoring the launch and reception of the unmanned aerial vehicle is installed on the hull, containing a visible range camera, thermal imaging and stereoscopic channels and connected to a controller for launching and receiving the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to prohibit the opening of the latches in the presence of an obstacle in the launch zone, and a landing and receiving platform with visual reference points is located on the hull.

2. An unmanned boat according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the sealed compartment is designed with the possibility of accommodating a charging unit for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

3. An unmanned boat according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the sealed compartment is designed with the possibility of accommodating a diagnostic unit of an unmanned aerial vehicle.

4. An unmanned boat according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the communication unit is designed with the ability to retransmit telemetry from the unmanned aerial vehicle through the unmanned boat to the operator.

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