Integration of acoustic devices on small USVs: The Charlie experience

Fundamental issues related to the integration of acoustic devices in unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in order to perform remotely supervised surveys in shallow waters are presented in this paper. On the basis of the in-field experience gained with the operation of the Charlie USV during Breaking The Surface 2010, the sinergistic roles played by electro-mechanical and software integration of the instruments, reliability of communication devices, and mission control capabilities are discussed. An extended presentation of experimental results will support a detailed discussion about consolidated state-of-the-art and future steps in this area.