A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Md., created a unique unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with the ability to remain underwater and then launch into the air. The UAV possesses skills suitable for a variety of drone missions.
The new drone - the Corrosion Resistant Aerial Covert Unmanned Nautical System (CRACUNS) - is a UAV with the ability to be launched from a fixed position underwater. In addition, it can be combined with an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and launched from there as well.
The team created the new vehicle with the goal of developing a drone that can effectively operate in the unique environments of both air and water.
"Engineers at APL have long worked on both Navy submarine systems and autonomous UAVs," said Jason Stipes, a member of the Applied Physics Laboratory and project manager for CRACUNS. "In response to evolving sponsor challenges, we were inspired to develop a vehicle that could operate both underwater and in the air."
The CRACUNS prototype system possesses capabilities that existing UAV and UUV platforms do not, including the ability to operate in the harsh shore environment as well as a payload flexibility that makes it suitable for a variety of mission types.
However, the most unique feature of the CRACUNS is undoubtedly its ability to remain at and launch from a significant depth underwater without the need of structural metal parts or machined surfaces.
The feature was made possible by its lightweight, submersible, composite airframe that is able to withstand the water pressure that it experiences while deep underwater. In addition, the team designed it to be able to operate in a corrosive saltwater environment by using protective coatings and sealing the most sensitive components in a dry pressure vessel.
"CRACUNS successfully demonstrated a new way of thinking about the fabrication and use of unmanned systems," said Rich Hooks, an aerospace and mechanical engineer from the APL.
The CRACUNS' low cost and unique abilities make it an ideal expendable drone for high-risk scenarios where humans and expensive machinery are less than ideal.
"APL's culture of innovation and mission-ready solutions continues to deliver success for our sponsors," said Christopher Watkins of APL.
