Narwhal Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

The Narwhal Star Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) is an ocean-going surveillance tool, designed to enable shipping operators to identify piracy risks without the need to directly involve crew in potentially dangerous reconnaissance patrols.

Find out more about the USV via our FAQ below, or contact our team to discuss your requirements.

What is the Narwhal Star USV?

The Narwhal Star Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) is an innovative remote-controlled, ocean going Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). The vessel is controlled by a human pilot via a Ground Control Station (GCS), either on land or on-board a parent vessel. The USV has a number of different piloting options, including manned operation and comes complete with a standard helm.   

What are the USV’s key applications?

The Narwhal Star USV has been designed as a surveillance and reconnaissance vessel with piracy detection and avoidance in mind. However, the USV is available in a wide range of configurations, making it suitable for commercial and military applications, including:

• Scouting / recce missions
• Military surveillance, reconnaissance and personnel extraction 
• Environmental surveys / monitoring
• Border patrol

How does the vessel operate?

The Narwhal Star USV has four different operational modes:

• Manned – Controlled manually, pilot on the craft.
• Remote manual: The operation of the USV is controlled from the Ground Control Station (GCS)console. The operator commands throttle and rudder manually. Some telecommands are available to move prefixed rudder position, start/stop engine, trim, emergency stop, etc.
• Semi-autonomous: The operator sets engine revolutions and course. Both parameters are kept in the required values till the selection of new ones.
• Autonomous: The USV follows a previously defined path using waypoints. This operating system is capable of making some autonomous decisions EG collision avoidance.

 When operated remotely, the Narwhal USV is controlled via radio / satellite link from a Ground Control Station (GCS).

What equipment is required to pilot the Narwhal Star USV?

Aside from the vessel itself, a Ground Control Station (GCS) is required in order to pilot the vessel remotely. This is provided in the USV package. The GCS can be portable with no need of additional facilities. One person can pilot the GCS and operate the vessel.

The GCS could be also installed in an operation room. Two-way communications-based systems will need the installation of antennas in to ensure the operation range.

How large is the vessel?

The Narwhal Star USV is typically supplied as a 6.7 metre heavy duty RIB with unmanned / remote control capability. Other configurations are also available, please speak to our team to discuss your requirements.   

What is the vessel’s engine capacity?

The Narwhal Star USV is typically supplied with a Mercury 200HP engine. Other engines are also available, please speak to our team to discuss your requirements.

Engine specification - Mercury Seapro 200

 What is included in a standard USV package?

The standard ‘off the shelf’ USV package comes with everything you need to pilot the vessel remotely within a line of sight range. This includes:

• RIB and engine
• Ground Control Station (GCS)
• One-way communication link (from GCS to vessel)
• Real time sensors included:
• GPS
• Compass
• Course over ground
• Speed over ground
• Speed over water
• Angular speed
• Depth
• Attitude (pitch and roll)
• Fuel level
• Battery level
• Rudder parameters (position and alarms…)
• Engine parameters (rpm, trim, temperatures, alarms…)

Additional payload options include:

• Additional options are available, allowing customisation and additional functionality / range. Options include:
• Double (two way) communications link
• Autonomous operational capability with waypoints (including mission planner in Ground Control Station)
• On-board gyrostabilized EO camera
• On-board marine standard, high resolution, gyrostabilized EO/IR cameras
• Extended Ground Control Station (GRS) with screens for images and telemetry presentation
• Speakers
• Smoke/flare dispenser
• Weather station
• Water sensors (Temp, oxygen and conductivity)
• Towed target
• VHF marine communications
• Robotic arm (to position sensors into the water)

 What is the remote range of the USV from the control point?

The standard (radio controlled) USV, featuring one-way communications has a range of up 25 nautical miles, with line of sight. This is variable, dependent on the height of the GCS antenna. 

The advanced (radio controlled) version, including two-way communications to facilitate the transmission of information (video, audio, telemetry data) from the vessel to the Ground Control Station (GCS) is 5 nautical miles. This is variable, dependent on the height of the GCS antenna. 

An option to control the vessel via satellite link is also available. This offers global coverage with no line of sight required when paired with on-board camera systems. 

Do atmospheric conditions interfere with remote control / limit range?

Atmospheric conditions do not affect the ability to communicate with the vessel or limit its remote range.

What maintenance is typically required?

The Narwhal Star USV’s remote control systems and the vessel should be serviced once per year. 

Does the Narwhal Star USV come with a warranty?

The Narwhal Star USV comes with a two-year warranty. Enhanced warranty and service packages are available, please speak to our team to discuss your requirements.

What is the lead time from point of order?

Lead time is approximately six weeks from the point of order. Delivery times can vary dependent on delivery location.