According to a press release published by iXblue on December 7, 2021, the Hydrographic Office of the Polish Navy has purchased iXblue DriX Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) through the company’s local partner THESTA. The USV will be advancing the Polish Navy's hydrographic capabilities.
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iXblue DriX Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (Picture source: iXblue)
An 8m USV developed to conduct various missions, DriX is particularly well suited for hydrographic surveys. Equipped with advanced sensors (radar, lidar, cameras…) and its own artificial intelligence, the USV analyzes its environment, avoids obstacles, and carries out its missions autonomously.
With its efficient Launch and Recovery System, DriX can be launched from a vessel or can directly sail from a harbor to autonomously map large areas of the ocean in a reduced amount of time.
DriX highly hydrodynamic monohull and drop keel provide exceptional stability and balance to the platform.
The USV will pierce waves and cannot capsize, even in high sea states. Keeping movements to a minimum, the USV ensures high stability. Thus widening the onboard sensors operation window.
DriX shape and stability allows for very high-speed capabilities (up to 14 knots), reducing transit downtime and providing high survey speeds with optimal data quality, harvested in a fraction of the usual times.
As far as endurance is concerned, DriX can sail for 7 days at 7 knots. At its top speed (14 knots), DriX can maintain continuous operations for 24 hours, while a speed of 4 knots will be required for a 10-day mission.
