A persistent, configurable, autonomous marine vehicle, the SHARC variant of the Wave Glider is designed as a versatile platform hosting an array of sensors and devices, ideal for a wide range of National Security and Defense applications. Acoustically silent and with a low visual and radar signature, SHARC harvests all of its energy for propulsion mechanically from the ocean waves. Power for onboard computing, sensors, and communications devices is provided by solar energy.
SHARCs can operate autonomously or be controlled by an operator located anywhere in the world, connected securely via satellite and a browser interface for real-time 24/7 access to data. Operating individually, SHARC can provide access to remote areas to gather data, perform surveillance, or act as a communications gateway to existing subsea devices. With no energy restrictions, missions can last for months or up to a year of mobile operations or station keeping.
As part of a deployment of marine assets, or operating as a ‘swarm’, SHARCs can provide broader cooperative underwater sensor capabilities and other functions at dramatic cost savings.
Meteorology & Oceanography (METOC)Providing weather and ocean state data for forecasting, routing and mission planning. Conducting tactical METOC, wave and bathymetric surveys in areas of deployment and operation. |
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)Utilizing custom sensors and payloads for acoustic, signals or surface imagery collection. Operations and results can be combined with other networks and platforms. SHARC adds long persistence and deployment into remote areas. |
Subsea-to-Surface CommunicationsWith secure satellite communications and an underwater acoustic modem, SHARC provides an interface between surface, aerial and undersea assets. |
Harbor and Port SecurityUsing the standard onboard AIS receiver, combined with custom hydrophone and photographic sensors, in a picket fence deployment to detect, identify and classify surface and undersea traffic. |
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)Integrating SHARC with these same AIS and acoustic sensors to extend the view from other wide-area MDA platforms and provide persistent, in-situ observation. |
