Beach reconnaissance system

Abstract

A system 100 is provided for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas. The system comprises a first submersible vehicle 106 and a second submersible vehicle 108. The first submersible vehicle 106 is

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to a system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of a system capable of determining the suitability of shallow water and / or shore areas for the landing of personnel, vehicles, and the like. BACKGROUND The successful deployment of personnel and / or hardware during military operations requires having a good knowledge and understanding of the conditions of potential deployment and landing sites. High-quality reconnaissance is therefore an essential part of preparing for and mounting any successful operation. Many preferred deployment locations are coastal due to the logistical and fire support that can be provided by nautical vessels. Coastal landing areas may include beaches or shallow water areas, the terrain and conditions of which can vary significantly from area to area along a single stretch of coastline. The need for high-resolution information relating to these locations is particularly important when deploying personnel and / or hardware into hostile locations where defensive measures may be in place to reduce the risk of harm or death and to provide a tactical advantage. Reconnaissance operations are therefore vital to maximise the likelihood of success of any such operations. At present, reconnaissance may be performed by deploying trained operatives to the intended deployment location. However, this carries with it a significant risk to the lives of said operatives. This approach can also be less covert, for example, due to transportation requirements to and from the location of interest. Aerial drones provide another option for obtaining the necessary data and can do so at a high-resolution. However, such methods are also not covert and can be significantly limited by range. Drones may also lack the ability to carry sensing equipment due to weight or power constraints; and are typically not able to collect samples. Satellite data can offer a broader view of potential deployment locations and can do so while remaining undetected. However, satellite data often lacks the resolution that is required for the planning of the relevant type of operations. For example, satellite data may not provide an effective understanding of the surface composition, debris, or other traps or obstacles that may limit personnel deployment or the effectiveness of vehicles. Therefore, there is a need for a flexible, low-risk, and more covert arrangement that can obtain high-resolution data relevant to potential deployment locations. The present invention aims to address at least some of these problems. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas. The system comprises a first submersible vehicle and a second submersible vehicle. The first submersible vehicle is configured to deploy the second submersible vehicle. When deployed, the second submersible vehicle is configured to move independently from the first submersible vehicle. The second submersible vehicle comprises at least one sensing means. The at least one sensing means is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the coastal area under reconnaissance. Advantageously, the system may provide a platform that is suitable for performing high-resolution reconnaissance of a coastal area, such as beaches. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first submersible vehicle and the second submersible vehicle may remain connected via a tether. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable the first and second submersible vehicles to remain in communication during operation. This arrangement may further ensure that the second submersible is not able to drift too far from the first submersible or become separated due to strong currents or the like. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tether may be configured to provide the second submersible vehicle with power. The power may be provided by the first submersible vehicle. Advantageously, this arrangement may avoid requiring the second submersible vehicle to carry its own power source, thereby providing more space for sensing equipment, samples, and the like. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tether is configured to provide the second submersible vehicle with a data link to the first submersible vehicle. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable data that is collected by the second submersible vehicle to be transferred to the first submersible vehicle for processing, storage, and / or transmission. This arrangement may enable the second submersible to be manipulated by the tether, for example the tether may be used by the first submersible to tow the second submersible to a new location. The tether may be retractable and may be retracted to retrieve the second submersible. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second submersible is configured to be attached to and / or fit at least partially within the first submersible prior to deployment. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow the first and second submersible vehicles to approach a general target location together, such that the second submersible vehicle may then be deployed from the first submersible vehicle for specific probing and investigation. This arrangement may provide more efficient transport and streamlining when passing through the water. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second submersible is configured to re-dock with the first submersible. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable the second submersible vehicle to re-attach to the first submersible vehicle to allow the two vehicles to move to a different coastal area, or return to another vessel for recovery, such as a ship. This arrangement may also enable samples to be transferred between the second submersible vehicle and the first submersible vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second submersible vehicle may be an amphibious vehicle and comprises a means for enabling movement on land. Advantageously an amphibious vehicle is capable of operating on land as well as in or on water. Means for enabling movement on land may allow the second submersible to obtain additional information relating to a shallow area of coastline or a beach area. For example, this may enable the second submersible to move further up a beach to obtain more information relating to traps, debris, obstacles, and the like, that could be problematic for future operations involving the deployment of personnel and / or vehicles. A means for enabling movement on land will prevent problems where a vehicle operating underwater operates differently on land. For example, the buoyancy of a vehicle operating underwater may prevent the vehicle from getting stuck in terrain such as loose sand or mud however the same vehicle on land may get stuck without said buoyancy. Similarly, an underwater vehicle navigating over rocky terrain will experience reduced impact on any means of movement due to the effects of buoyancy whereas on land or not complete submersion the force acting between the ground and movement means is greater and could damage said means for movement. The aforementioned issues are particularly prevalent in near-coastal areas where rocky outcrops, unstable sand and mud are common. In an embodiment the means for movement on land may comprise a motor with a variable torque profile. Wherein the torque profile may be varied to suit the greater power demand to traverse on land, in particular traversing an incline often found at coastal edges. In an embodiment the means for movement on land may comprise a traction control system. The traction control system may comprise separately driven wheels or tracks and / or brakes such that the grip between mean s of movement and land is maximised to reduce the chance of the second submersible getting stuck. The second submersible vehicle may have a lightweight frame and / or suspensions attached to the means for enabling movement on land. A lightweight frame and suspension would increase the vehicles traction on loose and undulating terrain while preventing issues with getting stuck. According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second submersible comprises wheels and / or tracks. Advantageously, this arrangement may provide the second submersible vehicle with a robust means of transport that is suitable for use on different types of terrain. The wheels may comprise multiple driven wheels, for example the wheels may each comprise an in-wheel motor. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the means for enabling movement on land may be independent of means for enabling movement on and underwater. For example, the means of movement on land may be tracks or wheels and the movement on and underwater may be a propellor or pump jet. Advantageously an independent means of movement underwater and on land increases utility to the vehicle allowing it to navigate tricky coastal areas for example areas with rocky outcrops or other underwater obstacles. Additionally, an independent means of movement provides greater redundancy in the case of damage or malfunction. The means for movement on land may be specific to movement without buoyancy and so be able to handle the increased stress of operating the vehicle on land According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second submersible is self-supporting. Advantageously this may allow a vehicle to continue to traverse out of water and onto land, for example submersible vehicles that rely on buoyancy to support the vehicle structure would be unable to exit the water level. According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second submersible comprises a buoyancy control system. The buoyancy control system may comprise a ballast tank configured such that the tank can be filled or emptied depending on the required total buoyancy of the second submersible. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing means is configured to collect data relating to at least one of: sediment composition; sediment size; sediment compaction; sediment stability. Advantageously, the second submersible vehicle may be capable of collecting high-quality data relating to the beach or coastal area that is under reconnaissance. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensing means is configured to collect data relating to sediment compaction and sediment stability. Advantageously collecting data relating to compaction and stability allows an assessment of the suitability of the coastal region for the landing of personnel and vehicles, for example the maximum weight and size for potential large land vehicles can be determined as well as variations of this data in different locations can inform the suitability of different possible landing areas. Additionally assessing the stability and compaction may inform an assessment for landing craft ability to launch and return from coastal areas comprising the sediment. Advantageously the combination of collecting data relating to the sediment underwater and out of water in coastal regions may help determine the location and suitability of a variety of landing areas, where landing craft could land and large landing vehicles wouldn’t be at risk of getting beached or otherwise stuck due to sediment instability. Additionally, an assessment of the land stability may inform decision such as placement of non-moving land supported machinery such as artillery or land bridges. The second submersible may be configured to process the collected data. Processing the collected data prevents the need for a sample to be collected and the sediment information may be transmitted to the first submersible via the tether. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensing means includes: a camera; a LIDAR device; a GPS device; a laser spectrometer; a resistance probe. Advantageously, this arrangement may provide the deployable submersible vehicle with a range of sensing devices that can probe different aspects or features of the area under reconnaissance. The use of at least one of a camera; a LIDAR device; a laser spectrometer; a resistance probe and collecting data relating to the sediment from a coastal area would allow the second submersible vehicle to record locations and samples together, such that a map of a coastal reason combining the sensing mean information and sample data came be combined. For example, the combination of LIDAR or a camera and assessing sediment stability would allow a map of potential hazardous areas of high instability to be mapped, this information could be useful for potential landing of heavy vehicles. Combining the sensing means and sediment assessment from underwater up to the above water area for example along an entire beach front would give information for suitability that could prevent damage to vehicles such as landing craft. The sensing means may allow for multiple readings without the need to capture samples. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensing means may include: a RADAR. Advantageously, if the vehicle is above water, a RADAR may be able to build up a picture of a greater area of land than could be assessed with a RADAR operating underwater or with sensors such as a camera or LIDAR that work underwater. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensing means may comprises a camera with a variable lens and aperture. A variable lens and aperture may allow the vehicle to adapt to the difference in focal length and light availability when operating underwater and above water. The at least one sensing means may be configured to determine a characteristic of the costal area such as incline, sea state, terrain type and height above water level. This one sensing means may be configured to aid the vehicle in the transit out of the water, for example matching an incline to a required torque profile. The at least one sensing means may be configured to determine when the vehicle is exiting the water, for example a camera could determine from increasing light levels or from analysis of the image that the vehicle is exiting the water level. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second submersible vehicle may be armoured. For example, the second submersible vehicle may be provided with protective armour such as ballistic plating to cover the main body. The protective armour may provide protection during movement on land. Advantageously the armour may reduce the damage to the submersible vehicle and so allow it to continue functioning when operating on land in a hostile situation - rounds such as bullets would otherwise not be a risk when operating underwater. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second submersible vehicle comprises a means for recovering a sample. The second submersible is further configured to obtain at least one sample from the coastal area that is under reconnaissance. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable the second submersible vehicle to obtain samples from the beach or coast for analysis, thereby providing additional data. Recovering a sample may reduce the complexity of the second submersible allowing processing to be done on the first submersible. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first submersible vehicle comprises a communication means configured to enable the transmission of the data obtained by the second submersible vehicle to a different location. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable the first submersible vehicle to transmit data relating to a beach or coastal area. For example, this may be to a command ship, a local data centre, a satellite, an aerial vehicle, or the like. This may improve the security and safety of the data by ensuring that the data is transmitted away from the first and / or second submersible vehicles and not stored on or within said submersible vehicles. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tether is configured to disconnect the first and second submersible vehicles. This may be advantageous in situations where the second submersible vehicle encounters a problem, such as if the second submersible vehicle becomes detected and intercepted, or if the second submersible is damaged or suffers a mechanical failure. Disconnecting the first and second submersible vehicles may ensure that the first submersible vehicle may get away and avoid interception, damage, or the like. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first submersible vehicle is an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV), and the second submersible is a smaller autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Advantageously, this arrangement may enable the larger XLAUV to provide many of the supporting systems for the smaller AUV, thereby enabling the smaller AUV to contain more sensing equipment and the like. This may also minimise the weight of the AUV thereby providing improved manoeuvrability when investigating a coastal area. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a main submersible vehicle. The main submersible vehicle comprises a deployable submersible vehicle. The deployable submersible vehicle is configured to be deployed from the main submersible vehicle. The main submersible vehicle further comprises a tether. The tether is configured to provide a coupling between the main submersible vehicle and the deployed submersible vehicle. The main submersible vehicle further comprises a communication means. The communication means is configured to enable transmission of data from the main submersible vehicle. Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a main submersible vehicle platform or XLAUV from which a smaller submersible vehicle can be deployed and used to more closely examine a coastal area. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a deployable submersible vehicle for reconnaissance of a coastal area. The deployable submersible vehicle comprises a tether. The tether is configured to provide a couple between the deployable vehicle and another submersible vehicle. The deployable submersible vehicle further comprises at least one sensing means. The at least one sensing means is configured to determine at least one characteristic of a coastal area under reconnaissance. Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a smaller submersible vehicle or AUV that is capable of getting close to a coastline to perform a reconnaissance operation to collect high-quality and high-resolution data. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the deployable submersible vehicle further comprising a means for enabling movement on land. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow the submersible vehicle to obtain additional information relating to a shallow area of coastline or a beach area. For example, this may enable the second submersible to move further up a beach to obtain more information relating to traps, debris, obstacles, and the like, that may be problematic for future operations involving personnel or vehicle deployment. According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the means for enabling movement on land includes wheels and / or tracks. Advantageously, this arrangement may provide the second submersible vehicle with a robust means of movement that is suitable for use on a beach or uneven coastal area. According to an embodiment of the present invention the at least one sensing means is configured to collect data relating to at least one of: sediment composition; sediment size; sediment compaction; sediment stability. Advantageously, the second submersible vehicle may be capable of collecting high-quality data relating to the beach or coastal area that is under reconnaissance. According to an embodiment of the present invention the deployable submersible vehicle may further comprising a sample recovery means, configured to enable at least one sample to be obtained from a coastal area under reconnaissance. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable the second submersible vehicle to obtain samples from the beach or coastal for analysis, thereby providing additional data. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first submersible vehicle may be configured to deploy a docking station for the second submersible vehicle, wherein the docking station may be configured to recharge the second submersible. The docking station may be connected to the first submersible vehicle by a docking station tether, wherein the docking station tether may provide power and / or data to the docking station. The docking station tether may enable the docking station to be manipulated by the tether, for example the tether may be used by the first submersible to tow the docking station to a new location. The tether may be retractable and may be retracted to retrieve the docking station. The retractable tether may enable both the docking station and the second submersible to be retracted together. The docking station may be further connected to the second submersible vehicle by a second submersible tether, wherein the second submersible tether may provide data and / or power to the second submersible vehicle. The docking station may be configured to restrain the second submersible. Restraining the second submersible may comprise an enclosure and / or mounting means such that the second submersible is not able to move, relative to the docking station, during the docked time. The docking station may comprise only a recharging tether that also restricts the movement of the second submersible. A docking station external to the first submersible vehicle allows further delocalisation between second submersible and first submersible vessel for example when the first submersible vessel is acting covertly. Additionally, a separate docking station may allow more missions to be carried out by the second submersible before it returns to the first submersible vessel. According to another embodiment of the present invention there is a method of performing reconnaissance of a coastal area using a submersible vehicle system. The method comprising the steps of i) deploying a submersible vehicle; ii) navigating the submersible vehicle to a first location of a coastal area for reconnaissance; iii) obtaining data, via at least one sensing means, from the first coastal location; and iv) transmitting the data obtained by the submersible vehicle. Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a way performing close reconnaissance of a coastal area using a submersible vehicle system, thereby enabling high-resolution data relating to the coastal area to be obtained to inform future operations involving the deployment of personnel and / or vehicles. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise the steps of: navigating the submersible vehicle to a second location of a coastal area for reconnaissance; and repeating steps i) to v) until reconnaissance data has been obtained for multiple locations within the coastal area. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable multiple locations along a single coastline to be surveyed to obtain more data. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the obtained data may be transferred from the submersible vehicle via a tether. Advantageously, this arrangement may enable data to be safely transported from a second submersible to a first submersible for subsequent transmission or storage. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of transmitting the data obtained by the submersible vehicle to an external location. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow the data to be stored at a different location for storage, analysis, and general safekeeping away from the submersible vehicles. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of deploying a transmission device to enable data to be transmitted. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow a strong connection signal to be formed to enable efficient and complete data transfer to a different location, such as a command post, nautical vessel, or other data storage centre. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the submersible vehicle is an amphibious vehicle and comprises a means for enabling movement on land; wherein the first coastal location is out of the water. Alternatively the first submersible vehicle may be any maritime vessel such as an above surface water craft vehicle. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas, the system comprising: a first maritime vehicle and a second amphibious vehicle; wherein the first maritime vehicle is configured to deploy the second submersible vehicle; wherein, when deployed, the second amphibious vehicle is configured to move independently from the first maritime vehicle, wherein the second amphibious vehicle comprises at least one sensing means that is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the coastal area under reconnaissance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Features and examples of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals or features having a previously described function may or may not be described in connection with other drawings in which they appear. Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic of a system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas; Figure 2 shows another example of a schematic of a system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas where a first submersible vehicle is transmitting data; Figure 3 shows another example of a schematic of a system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas whereby a second submersible vehicle is capable of travelling on a landing area. Figure 4 shows another example of a schematic of a system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas whereby a docking station is tethered to a first submersible and a second submersible vehicle is capable of travelling on a landing area. Figure 5 shows a flowchart for a method of performing reconnaissance of a coastal area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The examples described below may be modified and implemented in various different forms. In order to more clearly describe features of the examples, detailed descriptions of matters well known to those skilled in the art to which the following examples belong will be omitted. In the present disclosure, when an element is described as "connected" or “coupled” with another element, this includes not only “directly connected” or “directly coupled”, but also “connected with another element therebetween” or “coupled with another element therebetween”. In addition, when one element is described to "include" another element, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the one element may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements. Figure 1 shows a system 100 for performing reconnaissance of a coastal area. The coastal area may include a seabed 102 and / or a landing area 104. The landing area 104 may be a beach. The system 100 comprises a first submersible vehicle 106 and a second submersible vehicle 108. The first submersible vehicle 106 is configured to deploy the second submersible vehicle 108. When deployed, the second submersible vehicle 108 is configured to move independently from the first submersible vehicle 106. This may enable the second submersible vehicle 108 to approach a coastal landing area 104 and reach a closer position than the first submersible vehicle. The second submersible vehicle 108 may thereby be capable of obtaining high-resolution data in relation to the seabed 102 and / or landing area 104. The second submersible vehicle 108 may be smaller in size than the first submersible vehicle 106 to prevent the second submersible vehicle 108 from becoming stuck or beached on the seabed 102 or landing area 104 as it approaches the landing area 104. The first submersible vehicle 106 may be an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV). The second submersible vehicle 108 may be smaller autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The second submersible vehicle 108 may therefore be smaller than the first submersible vehicle 106. The second submersible vehicle 108 may be sufficiently sized and weighted to resiliently withstand ocean currents whilst also maintaining attitude and position and whilst manoeuvring to perform a reconnaissance operation. The second submersible vehicle may be, for example, a BAE Systems Riptide™ vehicle. Of course, the skilled person will appreciate that various other systems could be used as alternatives. The second submersible vehicle 108 comprises at least one sensing means (not shown) that is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the coastal area that is under reconnaissance. The at least one sensing means may be at least one of a camera; a LIDAR device; a laser spectrometer; a resistance probe. The sensing means may be a remote sensing means. Of course, the skilled person will understand that various other relevant sensors may be employed in order to probe and investigate the landing area 104 and / or seabed 102. The sensing means may be configured to collect data relating to at least one of the following: sediment composition; sediment size; sediment compaction; sediment stability. The second submersible vehicle 108 may further comprise a means for recovering a sample (not shown). For example, a sample from a landing area 104. The second submersible vehicle 108 may be further configured to use said sample recovering means to obtain at least one sample from the coastal area under reconnaissance. The sample may be taken from the landing area 104, the seabed 102, or another suitable location. The second submersible vehicle 108 may be provided with a sample analysis device that is configured to analyse said recovered sample in situ. Alternatively, or in addition, the second submersible vehicle may be configured to obtain several samples and store them. The stored samples may be subsequently recovered and analysed ex situ. As Figure 1 shows, the first and second submersible vehicles 106, 108 are connected via a tether 110. The first and second submersible vehicles 106, 108 remain attached via the tether 110 during a reconnaissance operation as the second submersible vehicle 108 moves around relative to the first submersible vehicle 106. The tether 110 may be configured to provide the second submersible vehicle 108 with power, for example, from the first submersible vehicle 106. This may reduce the complexity of the second submersible vehicle 106 by removing the need to carry its own power storage systems. The tether 110 may be further configured to provide a data link between the first and second submersible vehicles 106, 108 to enable data to be transferred between them. This data transfer may include instructions, for example, from the first submersible vehicle 106 to the second submersible vehicle 108 to control the operation of the first submersible vehicle 106. The data transfer may also include the transfer of data obtained by the sensing means of the second submersible vehicle 106. The tether 110 may be further configured to disconnect the first and second submersible vehicles 106, 108. For example, disconnection may be achieved by either the first or second submersible vehicles 106, 108 disconnecting the respective tether 110 connection points (not shown). Alternatively, the tether 110 may comprise a break point part way along its length that is specifically configured to disconnect the first and second submersible vehicles 106, 108. The disconnection may be achieved via a small explosive charge, or the like, in order to achieve an efficient clean break. This may occur in specific circumstances, for example, if the second submersible vehicle is captured or identified by enemy actors; if one of the submersible vehicles 106, 108 is damaged. The tether 110 may be formed of a lightweight material in order to reduce weight and drag. Figure 2 shows a system 100 for performing reconnaissance of a coastal area. The first submersible vehicle 106 may be provided with a communication means 114. The communication means 114 may extend from the first submersible vehicle 106 above the water level 115 to establish a signal 116 so as to facilitate communications between the first submersible vehicle 106 and a control centre (not shown). For example, the first submersible vehicle 106 may be configured to use the communication means 114 to communicate with a different location. As referred to here, a different location may be any command centre, local data storage centre, ship or nautical vessel, satellite, aircraft, or the like that is capable of receiving a data uplink signal from the communication means 114 securely. The communication means 114 may be configured to send and receive data relating to the control of the system 100. The communication means 114 may be further configured to be used to transmit data that is obtained by the second submersible vehicle 108 during a coastal reconnaissance operation. For example, the second submersible vehicle 108 may obtain data, via at least one sensing means, transfer this data to the first submersible vehicle 106; the second submersible vehicle 106 may then be configured to send this via the communication means 114. Figure 3 shows a system 100 for performing reconnaissance of a coastal area. The system 100 comprises a first submersible vehicle 106 and a second submersible vehicle 108 connected to one another via a tether 110. As shown, the second submersible vehicle 108 may be configured to manoeuvre on a landing area 104, such as a beach. The second submersible vehicle 108 may comprise a means for enabling such movement on land. For example, the second submersible vehicle 108 may comprise wheels 118 and / or tracks (not shown). The second submersible vehicle 108 may therefore be configured to efficiently traverse the variable terrain associated with the coastal area under reconnaissance. As shown in Figure 3, the sensing means of the second submersible vehicle 108 may enable said vehicle to identify obstacles 119 that may be present at the landing area 104. In an example not shown in Figures 1-3, the second submersible vehicle 108 may be configured to attach to and / or fit at least partially within the first submersible prior to deployment. For example, the second submersible vehicle 108 may fit within the first submersible vehicle 106 to provide a more streamlined vehicle that can reach a target area of coastline more efficiently. The second submersible vehicle 108 may be further configured to re-dock with the first submersible vehicle 106. In other words, the second submersible vehicle 108 may be initially deployed from the first submersible vehicle 106 to perform reconnaissance; the second submersible vehicle 108 may then be configured to return to the first submersible vehicle 106 to be recovered so that both submersible vehicles 106, 108 can return to the relevant launch platform; or so that the two submersible vehicles 106, 108 can move to a different coastal location to perform further reconnaissance operations. The first submersible vehicle 106 is a main submersible vehicle comprising the second submersible vehicle 108. The main submersible vehicle 106 is therefore configured to deploy the second submersible vehicle 108. The main submersible vehicle 106 comprises a tether 110 that is configured to provide a coupling between the main submersible vehicle and the deployed submersible vehicle 108. The main submersible vehicle 108 further comprises a communication means 114 configured to enable transmission of data from the main submersible vehicle 106. The second submersible vehicle 108 is a deployable submersible vehicle 108. The deployable submersible vehicle 108 is configured to perform reconnaissance of a coastal area. The deployable submersible vehicle 108 further comprises a tether 110 that is configured to provide a coupling between the deployable submersible vehicle 108 and another submersible vehicle, such as the main submersible vehicle 106. The deployable submersible vehicle 108 further comprises at least one sensing means (not shown). The sensing means is configured to determine at least one characteristic of a coastal area that is under reconnaissance. The tether 110 of the main submersible vehicle 108 and deployable submersible vehicle 106 may be the same tether 110. Each of the main and deployable submersible vehicles 106, 108 may comprise a portion of the tether 110. As shown in Figure 3, the deployable submersible vehicle 108 may comprise a means for enabling movement on land. The means for enabling movement on land may include wheels 118 and / or tracks. The skilled person will appreciate that other suitable means of enabling movement on variable terrain types may be used. The deployable submersible vehicle 108 the at least one sensing means (not shown) is configured to collect data relating to at least one of: sediment composition; sediment size; sediment compaction; sediment stability. The deployable submersible vehicle 108 may further comprise a sample recovery means (not shown). The sample recovery means may be configured to enable at least one sample to be obtained from a coastal area that is being investigated. The at least one sensing means may include: a camera; a LIDAR device; a laser spectrometer; a resistance probe. Of course, the skilled person will appreciate that various other suitable sensing means may be provided that may enable the deployable submersible vehicle 108 to obtain useful information and data relating to the coastal area being investigated. Figure 4 shows a system 100 for performing reconnaissance of a coastal area. The system 100 comprises a first submersible vehicle 106, a second submersible vehicle 108 and a docking station 117. The docking station 117 and the first submersible vessel 106 are connected to each other via a docking station tether 118. The second submersible vehicle and the docking station 117 are connected to each other via a second submersible tether 119.. As shown, the second submersible vehicle 108 may be configured to manoeuvre on a landing area 104, such as a beach. The second submersible vehicle 108 may comprise a means for enabling such movement on land. For example, the second submersible vehicle 108 may comprise wheels 118 and / or tracks (not shown). The second submersible vehicle 108 may therefore be configured to efficiently traverse the variable terrain associated with the coastal area under reconnaissance. As shown in Figure 4, the sensing means of the second submersible vehicle 108 may enable said vehicle to identify obstacles 119 that may be present at the landing area 104. Figure 5 shows a flow chart of a method 200 of performing reconnaissance of a coastal area using a submersible vehicle system, such as the system 100 shown in Figures 1-3. The method comprises the step 202 of deploying a submersible vehicle 108. The submersible vehicle 108 may be deployed from a first / main submersible vehicle 106. The submersible vehicle 108 that is deployed may be a second / main submersible vehicle 108. The method 200 of performing reconnaissance of a coastal area may further comprise the step 204 of navigating the submersible vehicle 108 to a first location of a coastal area for reconnaissance. The submersible vehicle 108 may be configured to act independently or with control from the vehicle from which it was deployed. The submersible vehicle 108 may be configured to remotely receive instructions from a different location. The submersible vehicle 108 may be configured to be manoeuvred towards, along, or near a landing area 104 such as a beach. The method 200 further comprises the step 206 of obtaining data, via at least one sensing means. The data may be obtained from a first coastal location. The first coastal location may be at least one of a landing area, seabed, or the like. The method 200 further comprises the step 208 of transmitting the data obtained by the submersible vehicle 108. For example, the data that is obtained may be transferred to first submersible vehicle 106 to which the submersible vehicle 108 is coupled, for example, via a tether 110. The data may be transmitted via a communication means 114. The data may be transmitted to a different location such as a nautical vessel, a local data centre, a command centre, or to a satellite via a satellite uplink connection. The data may be encoded so as to provide secure transmission of the data. The method 200 may further comprise the step of navigating the submersible vehicle 108 to a second location of a coastal area for reconnaissance. This may enable the submersible vehicle to survey a larger portion of a coastal area and / or a different landing area 104. The method 200 may further involve repeating steps of: obtaining data, via at least one sensing means, from the coastal location; transmitting the obtained data obtained from by the submersible vehicle 108 to the first submersible vehicle 106 and navigating the submersible vehicle 108 to a new location of a coastal area for reconnaissance. The new location may be a second location, the second location may be different from the first location. The steps outlined above may be performed until multiple locations have been surveyed within the coastal area. The method 200 may further comprise the step of transmitting the obtained data from submersible vehicle 108 via a tether. For example, the data may be transmitted from the submersible vehicle 108 to another submersible vehicle 106, such as a first / main submersible vehicle 106 via the tether 110. The method 200 may further comprise the step of deploying a communication means 114 to enable data to be transmitted. The deployment of the communication means 114 may enable a stronger signal 116 to be obtained, thereby enabling improved data transfer to a different location. Reference in the specification to “an example”, “an embodiment”, “an aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example, but not necessarily in other examples. The various instances of the phrase “in one example” or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. In describing and claiming examples disclosed herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. While several examples have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting. It should be understood that the examples described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each example should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other examples. While one or more examples have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made.

Claims

1. A system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas, the system comprising:a first submersible vehicle and a second submersible vehicle;wherein the first submersible vehicle is configured to deploy the second submersible vehicle;wherein, when deployed, the second submersible vehicle is configured to move independently from the first submersible vehicle,wherein the second submersible vehicle comprises at least one sensing means that is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the coastal area under reconnaissance.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second submersible vehicle is an amphibious vehicle and comprises a means for enabling movement on land.

3. The system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first submersible vehicle and the second submersible vehicle remain connected via a tether.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the tether is configured to provide the second submersible vehicle with power.

5. The system of any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the tether is configured to provide the second submersible vehicle with a data link to the first submersible vehicle.

6. The system of any previous claim, wherein the second submersible vehicle is configured to be attached to and / or fit at least partially within the first submersible vehicle prior to deployment.

7. The system of any previous claim, wherein the sensing means is configured to collect data relating to at least one of: sediment composition; sediment size; sediment compaction; sediment stability.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the sensing means is configured to collect data relating to sediment compaction and sediment stability.

9. The system of any previous claim, wherein the second submersible vehicle comprises a means for recovering a sample and is configured to obtain at least one sample from the coastal area under reconnaissance.

10. The system of any previous claim, wherein the first submersible vehicle comprises a communication means configured to enable the transmission of the data obtained by the second submersible vehicle to a different location.

11. The system of any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the tether is configured to disconnect the first submersible vehicle and the second submersible vehicle.

12. A main submersible vehicle, comprising:a further deployable submersible vehicle, configured to be deployed from the main submersible vehicle;a tether, configured to provide a coupling between the main submersible vehicle and the deployed submersible vehicle;a communication means, configured to enable transmission of data from the main submersible vehicle.

13. A deployable submersible vehicle for reconnaissance of a coastal area, comprising:A tether, configured to provide a coupling between the deployable vehicle and another submersible vehicle,at least one sensing means, configured to determine at least one characteristic of a coastal area under reconnaissance.

14. The deployable submersible vehicle of claim 13, further comprising a sample recovery means, configured to enable at least one sample to be obtained from a coastal area under reconnaissance.

15. The deployable submersible vehicle of claim 12 or 13, wherein a further sensing means includes: a camera; a LIDAR device; a laser spectrometer; a GPS device; a resistance probe.

16. A method of performing reconnaissance of a coastal area using a submersible vehicle system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of:i) deploying a submersible vehicle;ii) navigating the submersible vehicle to a first location of a coastal area for reconnaissance;iii) obtaining data, via at least one sensing means, from the first coastal location;iv) transmitting the data obtained by the submersible vehicle.

17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the submersible vehicle is an amphibious vehicle and comprises a means for enabling movement on land and wherein the first coastal location is out of the water.

18. A system for performing reconnaissance of coastal areas, the system comprising:a first maritime vehicle and a second amphibious vehicle;wherein the first maritime vehicle is configured to deploy the second amphibious vehicle;wherein, when deployed, the second amphibious vehicle is configured to move independently from the first maritime vehicle,wherein the second amphibious vehicle comprises at least one sensing means that is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the coastal area under reconnaissance.

Images