The ICARUS unmanned search and rescue project, a European Union project, has developed a system that incorporates both aerial unmanned systems and maritime unmanned systems in an effort to conduct search and rescue (SAR) in the maritime environment (Icarus, 2012). The U-Ranger is a CMRE/L-3 built unmanned system that was used in both the testing and demonstrations conducted by the ICARUS project. The system is designed based on the MOOS architecture to utilize certain behavioral patterns such as situational awareness, area search, track-and-trail, obstacle avoidance, station keeping and waypoint routing. (Icarus, 2014). In order to achieve this the system uses a combination of proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensors to conduct the SAR mission. U-Ranger uses and onboard computer/control unit to process all commands such as communications with the USV, acquiring exterocpetive sensor data for processing in system control and GPS guidance. The USV utilizes an Airmar ultrasonic weather station, an exteroceptive sensor, with an internal compass and onboard WAAS/EGNOS GPS to gather information on true wind direction, atmospheric pressure and air temperature which is then sent to the onboard computer for processing and to the onboard navigation system (Icarus, 2014). Connected to the CMRE front junction box and sensor interface power distribution where the sensors interface with the rest of the system. The internal measurement unit, a proprioceptive sensor, utilizes 3-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers to measure the U-Rangers velocity and orientation (Icarus, 2014). The U-Ranger also uses a gyro-stabilized thermal camera with 640×480 resolution 360 degree continuous pan with a daylight camera included (Icarus, 2014). This exteroceptive sensor is utilized predominately for searches in the water. Also connected to the junction box/power distribution is the laser range finder, a combination exteroceptive proprioceptive sensor depending on the certain requirements. Typically this device is used to by the onboard computer to adequately navigate obstacles located around the U-Ranger in hostile environments. Multibeam sonar is utilized for acoustic sensing for underwater surveillance and reconnaissance.
The ICARUS project has tested both the USV and fixed and multicopter unmanned systems together in a simulated demonstration. The first part of the demonstration shows the need to find the victims quickly using a fixed wing unmanned aircraft loaded with an EO/IO sensor video camera to locate the victim. Once identified and assessed an octocopter can sent to make further evaluation as well as drop, if needed, supplies such as life jacket and water. The U-Ranger will then deploy to the victims attempting the rescue by deploying a small boat that will make further contact and deploy a self-inflating raft. These systems have the capability to be deployed quickly and get to the victims in a timely manner whereas manned assets will most often take longer periods of time to do so. However, the combination of unmanned and manned systems working together will have a greater impact of the lifesaving abilities of search and rescue teams.
REFERENCES
Icarus. (2014). Integrated components for assisted rescue and unmanned search operations. Retrieved from http://cinav.marinha.pt/PT/Avisos/Documents/7_Comunica%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Prof_An%C3%ADbal_Matos.pdf
Icarus. (2012). Project overview. Retrieved from http://www.fp7-icarus.eu/project-overview