Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is equipped with a GPS, heading sensor, depth and altitude sensors, and an acoustic navigation system. The UUV is deployed in the vicinity of the target location and releases an acoustic transponder (beacon). Using the acoustic navigation system with the GPS reference, the UUV conducts a survey to determine the horizontal location of the beacon on the seafloor and calculates a relative position between the beacon and the target. The UUV can plan a travel path allowing it to relocate the target, using the beacon as a navigation aid. The UUV can submerge to target depth and search for the target using a forward looking sensor. Once the target is acquired on the sensor, the UUV can home to the target.

Abstract: An unmanned system performs inspection, identification and/or neutralization of underwater objects. An unmanned vehicle that operates at a water's surface stows underwater crawling and/or swimming vehicles that can operate underneath a water's surface. A winch associated with each robotic vehicle is mounted on the unmanned vehicle. An electro-mechanical tether electrically and mechanically couples a corresponding robotic vehicle to the unmanned vehicle, and is mechanically coupled to a corresponding winch for control of the paying out and reeling in thereof.

Abstract: A communications system and method utilizes an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) capable of collecting data about an environment in which the USV resides. At least one micro-aerial vehicle (MAV), equipped for unmanned flight after a launch thereof, is mounted on the USV. Each MAV has onboard radio frequency (RF) communications. Each MAV launched into the air transmits the data collected by the USV using the MAV's RF communications.

Abstract: A reconnaissance system and method utilizes an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and at least one micro-aerial vehicle (MAV). The MAV, equipped for unmanned flight after a launch thereof, is mounted on the USV. Each MAV has onboard wireless communications coupled to an onboard video surveillance system. Each MAV launched into the air collects video data using its video surveillance and transmits the video data using its wireless communications.