Autonomous Sub-Surface Covert Littoral Node (CLN)

The concept of using any shape or form as the basis for a covert underwater vehicle is new. We present the concept design of an Autonomous Sub-Surface Covert Littoral Node that is capable of self-positioning, easy deployment and clandestine operation individually or as member of a swarm. This technology is targeted to effectively and reliably monitor harbor and coastal areas to detect shipping activity, coastal threats, hazards, processes and coastal zone changes. Multiple vehicles that communicate and act together will collectively work towards a desired goal. The scope is to develop and test the interaction of multiple autonomous systems and associated instrumentation to better characterize, observe and monitor the marine environment. The end-product of the project will be a fully automated, autonomous and cost-efficient system, combining both survey and sampling tools.