ASV Surface Vessel Begins Sea Trials



By Danielle Lucey



C-Enduro, the long-endurance marine unmanned surface vehicle from ASV Ltd. in Portsmouth, U.K., has begun sea trials organized by the National Oceanography Centre and attended by the U.K.’s Royal Navy. 



During the trials, the vessel spelled out the letters ASV in its course.



The USV uses an energy system that relies on a “three-pillar” approach, according to the company. It is powered by solar panels, a wind generator and a lightweight diesel generator. The company says that calculations and tests show that this combination provided the greatest probability that the vessel would fit the performance requirements of NOC.



ASV Ltd. created the C-Enduro as a small business initiative cofounded by NOC’s parent organization, the National Environment Research Council; the Technology Strategy Board; and the Defense, Science and Technology Laboratories. 



ASV Ltd. developed C-Enduro along with Hyperdrive Ltd. and Cranfield University.