L3Harris Technologies Delivers First Unmanned Vehicle for Oil Spill Response

A world-leading integrated oil and gas company has received L3Harris Technologies’ first Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) built specifically to protect the environment and its emergency response personnel during oil spill response operations.

The 11-foot USV, known as the C-Tug 3, is outfitted with L3Harris' ASViewTM control system, which enables USV remote operations from a land-based control station. The USV can execute pre- programmed mission plans and real-time teleoperation via a remote touch screen unit. Once deployed, the USV can tow an oil containment boom into position to prevent the spread of any contaminants. The operator can remotely disconnect the boom and command the USV to deploy anchors to limit wind and current effects.

“This USV is a revolutionary step towards preventing the spread of harmful contaminants and eliminating human exposure to potentially toxic and highly flammable oil spill emergencies,” said Rosemary Chapdelaine, President, Maritime, L3Harris. “We continue to enhance our unmanned technologies to deliver vehicles that reduce the use of manned vessels in harsh environments.”

The C-Tug-3 USV is equipped with multiple sensors to provide the operator with feedback for the vehicle’s position, heading, wind direction, wind speed, water depth, fuel level, and numerous other datapoints. It will also have both daylight and thermal imaging cameras, with feeds being relayed real- time to the shore-based operator to aid in vessel maneuvering. Onboard detectors will be used to monitor the spill and provide increased safety for operations. Its rugged aluminum construction and closed-loop cooling system allow it to operate in the harshest environments and run up on shore if required. The launch and recover system allows the vehicle to be deployed in minutes, enabling rapid response to potential spills and preventing the spread of harmful contaminants into the wider environment.

Once emergency response operations are complete, the vehicle can be quickly recovered using an on-site crane and lifting rod that does not require any additional rigging or manned intervention. This discriminating capability further increases emergency response operations' safety as personnel will no longer be exposed to the dangers of riggings and overhead lifts.

L3Harris is a world leader in USV systems, with over 125 USVs and optionally manned vehicles delivered. Outfitted with L3Harris' ASViewTM control system, which enables USV remote operations from a land-based control station, USVs can execute pre-programmed mission plans and real-time operations. The company’s USVs are actively serving U.S and international navies, universities, research institutions and commercial businesses.