DriX USV Seafloor Mapping Operations In Support of TF 59

The Exail DriX Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) operated in support of the Task Force (TF 59) International Maritime Exercise (IMX 23) from 5–15 Mar 2023 in Bahrain. The focus of the exercise was Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) for surface, and also seafloor mapping for mine warfare. DriX operated continuously for 24 hr periods throughout the entire 11 day exercise. DriX focused on seafloor mapping, High Value Unit (HVU) escort, and surface MDA when tasked by TF 59. DriX was integrated with the encrypted Silvus Radio “mesh” network to full operational capability, and was integrated with the Minotaur C2 system. This mesh network and “single pane of glass” C2 picture is important to TF 59 to support future operations and exercises. This technical paper will present the accomplishments of DriX supporting TF 59, with a specific focus on autonomous survey operations in support of detection of potential Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) for the mine warfare mission.