The demonstration, taking place at ERDC’s Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina, will evaluate technologies designed to sustain uncrewed surface vehicle operations through surf zones, breaking waves, currents, and coastal inlets. OPT was previously selected to participate following a competitive technical evaluation and will demonstrate its WAM-V® maritime drone platform in live coastal conditions.
ERDC is assessing platforms and sensing technologies that can support bathymetric mapping and submerged-hazard detection. Potential applications include US Army Corps of Engineers civil works missions and military operations such as logistics over the shore, where reliable information about nearshore water depths and hazards is critical to safe vessel transit.
“We believe reliable autonomous operations in the surf zone may open an important set of missions that remain difficult and hazardous for conventional vessels and personnel,” said Jason Weed, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales of OPT. “This demonstration gives us the opportunity to show how the WAM-V platform’s mobility, shallow draft, and adaptable payload architecture can support nearshore operations in challenging real-world conditions.”
The WAM-V platform uses an articulating suspension system designed to improve stability and reduce structural loading while operating in waves. Its modular architecture can support hydrographic and other sensing payloads for defense, research, and civil applications.
Participation in the demonstration does not represent a procurement contract or commitment by the US Government. ERDC has stated that promising technologies may be considered for follow-on testing, subject to the availability of funding.
