Preliminary validation test of basic performance and rapid search scenario-based demonstration for autonomous underwater vehicles

Abstract

Since 2021, the Korea Coast Guard has been conducting research on developing a marine unmanned system capable of underwater surveys even in harsh marine environments, following the helicopter crash near Dokdo Island in 2019. This system consists of three small-sized autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with side-scan sonar, one mid-sized AUV equipped with synthetic aperture sonar, an integrated mission control system, and a sensor data post-processing system. Additionally, it includes an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and a robotic buoy (RBB) that utilize underwater acoustic modems and RF communication systems for real-time monitoring and data transmission. By 2024, the system was manufactured and implemented, and basic performance tests were conducted. Mission scenario procedures were also established to enable the Korea Coast Guard to carry out rapid search operations. Furthermore, preliminary validation tests were conducted based on search scenarios using a large helicopter and a Coast Guard vessel. This year, mission scenario-based demonstration tests are planned to be carried out.