First in the World: Drone in Open Ocean Captures Video From Inside a Hurricane
Saildrone Inc. and NOAA have published the first video recordings captured by an unmanned surface vessel (USV) from inside a powerful hurricane moving across the Atlantic Ocean.
Climate, weather and water affect all life on our planet. The mission of NOAA is to understand and predict our changing environment from the depths of the sea to space, and to manage and conserve U.S. coastal and marine resources.
The Saildrone Explorer SD1045 was sent into the very center of Category 4 Hurricane Sam, which is currently moving along a path that does not pass the U.S. East Coast. The SD1045 battled 15-meter waves and winds exceeding 193 km/h, collecting important scientific data and giving us a completely new view of one of the most destructive forces on Earth.
Equipped with a specially designed "hurricane wing" that allows it to operate in extreme winds, the SD1045 travels through Hurricane Sam in open ocean, collecting real-time observational data for numerical hurricane forecasting models. These are expected to offer a new perspective on how large and destructive tropical cyclones form and intensify.
The SD1045 is one of five "hurricane" sailing drones that operated in the Atlantic Ocean during hurricane season, collecting data around the clock to help understand the physical processes of hurricanes. This knowledge is crucial for improving storm forecasting and is expected to reduce loss of life by increasing the preparedness of coastal residents.
“Saildrone goes where no research vessel has ever gone, moving straight into the eye of a hurricane and collecting data that will change our understanding of these powerful storms. After conquering the Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean, hurricanes have become the final frontier for Saildrone's survival. We are proud to have built a vehicle capable of operating in the most extreme weather conditions on Earth”
Saildrone provides data directly to NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, the company's partners in this mission.
“Using data collected by the sailing drones, we hope to improve forecast models that predict changes in hurricanes. Rapid intensification, when hurricane winds strengthen within a matter of hours, poses a serious threat to coastal residents. New data from the sailing drones and other unmanned systems used by NOAA will help us better predict the forces that drive hurricanes and will allow us to warn people earlier”
The marine safety options of these vehicles include an advanced acoustic system and a camera system which, combined with Saildrone's proprietary onboard machine learning algorithm, merges sensor data to provide significantly enhanced information and decision-making support in 24/7 mode.
The company provides a fully managed end-to-end service: USVs are transported to the operating area, launched and recovered, and customers receive collected high-resolution data in real time as well as raw data.
Saildrone USV specifications:
- Wind propulsion. The patented system is the result of 10 years of research into high-performance ground gliding and consists of a tall rigid wing, a longitudinal spar and a vertical stabilizer. A trim tab at the tail adjusts the angle of the wing to the wind, similar to how an elevator trim tab adjusts an aircraft's pitch.
- Long endurance. The wing technology enables mission durations of up to 12 months without the need to return to shore for maintenance or refueling. Annual servicing ensures optimal data quality.
- Speed. Saildrone USVs move at an average speed of two to six knots powered by wind, can reach most oceans within 30 days from the nearest shore, and cover large research areas.
- Autonomy. USVs are constantly monitored by a human pilot via satellite and autonomously travel from waypoint to waypoint, accounting for wind and currents, while staying within a safety corridor defined by the user.
- Maritime safety. To further ensure safe operation, each USV is equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver, navigation lights, a radar reflector, a high-visibility wing and four onboard cameras. Safety is the top priority, which is why the company takes pride in its reputation in these solutions.
Saildrone is a U.S. company that designs, manufactures and operates a fleet of the most efficient, proven and reliable unmanned surface vehicles in the world.
Saildrone USVs, operating mainly on wind and solar power, have a minimal carbon footprint and are equipped with advanced sensors and machine learning technology to deliver critical data and reconnaissance of any ocean at any time of year. Solutions include maritime domain awareness, ocean data and ocean mapping. Saildrone's operations and data collection services are encrypted and secure.
