Sea Drone World: Comprehensive Maritime Unmanned Vehicle Database
Sea Drone World is a free, open-access reference catalog indexing 92 maritime unmanned vehicles from 40 manufacturers across 13 countries. The database covers Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), and autonomous ocean gliders.
Platform breakdown: 42 surface vehicles and 50 underwater vehicles. Sector breakdown: 18 civilian, 21 military, and 53 dual-use platforms.
Vehicle Classes
- USV: 38 platforms
- ROV: 19 platforms
- AUV: 13 platforms
- UUV: 9 platforms
- MUSV: 3 platforms
- XLAUV: 3 platforms
- Glider: 3 platforms
- SUUV: 1 platforms
- XLUUV: 1 platforms
- LDUUV: 1 platforms
- AUSV: 1 platforms
Countries of Origin
- United States: 27 platforms
- Canada: 13 platforms
- France: 8 platforms
- China: 7 platforms
- United Kingdom: 5 platforms
- New Zealand: 4 platforms
- Norway: 3 platforms
- Sweden: 3 platforms
- Ukraine: 2 platforms
- Australia: 2 platforms
- Turkey: 1 platforms
- null: 1 platforms
- Israel: 1 platforms
Manufacturers
- Deep Trekker (Canada): 5 platforms
- Exail (France): 4 platforms
- CHC Navigation (China): 4 platforms
- AGISTAR (null): 4 platforms
- Open Ocean Robotics (Canada): 4 platforms
- SatLab Geosolutions (Sweden): 4 platforms
- Cellula Robotics (Canada): 4 platforms
- Teledyne Marine (Unknown): 4 platforms
- RJE Oceanbotics (United States): 4 platforms
- VideoRay (United States): 4 platforms
- ecoSUB Robotics (United Kingdom): 4 platforms
- Boxfish Robotics (New Zealand): 4 platforms
- HII (United States): 4 platforms
- Textron Systems (United States): 3 platforms
- Maritime Robotics (Norway): 3 platforms
- Saildrone (United States): 3 platforms
- General Dynamics Mission Systems (United States): 3 platforms
- Blue Robotics (United States): 2 platforms
- OceanAlpha (China): 2 platforms
- DARPA / U.S. Navy (United States): 2 platforms
- ALSEAMAR (France): 2 platforms
- Meteksan Defense (Turkey): 1 platform
- DARPA (United States): 1 platform
- SpetsTechnoExport / HUR-linked Ukrainian development (Ukraine): 1 platform
- Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) (Ukraine): 1 platform
- Advanced Navigation (Australia): 1 platform
- Dynautics (United Kingdom): 1 platform
- Boeing (United States): 1 platform
- Northrop Grumman (United States): 1 platform
- IAI / ELTA / ATLAS ELEKTRONIK (Israel): 1 platform
- Anduril Australia (Australia): 1 platform
- People's Liberation Army Navy (China): 1 platform
- US Navy (Unknown): 1 platform
- Bulwark Dynamics (Unknown): 1 platform
- ZeroUSV (Unknown): 1 platform
- Magnet Defense (Unknown): 1 platform
- Russia (Unknown): 1 platform
- Ocean Aero (Unknown): 1 platform
- Cardona Marine Group Inc. (Unknown): 1 platform
- Skana Robotics (Unknown): 1 platform
Complete Platform Index
- DriX O-16 USV — USV by Exail (France). dual-use surface platform. Transoceanic-range USV positioned as a fast, endurance-focused survey and payload platform.
- TSUNAMI USVs — USV by Textron Systems (United States). military surface platform. Rapidly deployable autonomous surface vessels for naval operations.
- Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle — USV by Textron Systems (United States). military surface platform. Multi-mission and multi-payload uncrewed surface vessel.
- Mariner X USV — USV by Maritime Robotics (Norway). dual-use surface platform. Long-endurance high-capacity USV with a configurable aft deck.
- Otter USV — USV by Maritime Robotics (Norway). dual-use surface platform. Portable modular catamaran USV used widely for survey and monitoring.
- Mariner USV — USV by Maritime Robotics (Norway). dual-use surface platform. Mid-sized USV for autonomous and remote-controlled operations.
- ULAQ USV — USV by Meteksan Defense (Turkey). dual-use surface platform. Autonomous multi-mission USV marketed for civilian and military applications.
- APACHE 4 Pro USV — USV by CHC Navigation (China). civilian surface platform. Versatile USV for hydrographic and bathymetric survey.
- APACHE3 Pro USV — USV by CHC Navigation (China). civilian surface platform. Professional survey USV with autonomous obstacle avoidance.
- APACHE 6 USV — USV by CHC Navigation (China). civilian surface platform. Autonomous multibeam survey USV for 3D bathymetric mapping.
- APACHE 3 USV — USV by CHC Navigation (China). civilian surface platform. Compact single-beam survey USV for cost-sensitive hydrographic work.
- USVSTAR — USV by AGISTAR. dual-use surface platform. Modular USV for varied aquatic missions including marine sampling and observation.
- BX-USV II — USV by AGISTAR (null). dual-use surface platform. Length: 1.6m. The BX-USV II is a compact unmanned surface vessel designed by AGISTAR for offshore marine and maritime applications. It features an open, modular design that simplifies integration and adaptation to mission-specific requirements.
- BX USV — USV by AGISTAR (France). dual-use surface platform. The BX-USV is a new-generation unmanned surface vehicle developed by AGISTAR, featuring advanced composite materials and autonomous navigation systems. It is designed for a wide range of marine and inland water missions, offering stability and ease of deployment.
- AGISTAR CLEANER — USV by AGISTAR (France). civilian surface platform. The AGISTAR CLEANER is an innovative autonomous robot designed for efficient cleaning of lake and shoreline surfaces. It is engineered to navigate narrow and shallow waters, effectively removing debris and pollutants to enhance water quality and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
- DataXplorer METOC — USV by Open Ocean Robotics (Canada). civilian surface platform. Solar-powered USV for meteorological and oceanographic data collection.
- DataXplorer Listen — USV by Open Ocean Robotics (Canada). dual-use surface platform. Solar-powered dual-use USV for environmental applications and maritime domain awareness.
- DataXplorer Survey — USV by Open Ocean Robotics (Canada). civilian surface platform. Solar-powered USV for high-resolution spatial data acquisition.
- DataXplorer Protect — USV by Open Ocean Robotics (Canada). dual-use surface platform. Solar-powered USV for day and nighttime security and situational awareness.
- HydroBoat 1200MB — USV by SatLab Geosolutions (Sweden). civilian surface platform. The HydroBoat 1200MB is SatLab's latest USV multibeam solution, integrating proven unmanned vessel technology with the HydroBeam M2 MBES. It is designed for precise multibeam mapping, achieving high accuracy in narrow and obstacle-dense waterways.
- HydroBoat 1500 — USV by SatLab Geosolutions (Sweden). civilian surface platform. Speed: Maximum speed of 6 m/s. The HydroBoat 1500 is a versatile USV designed for underwater topographic surveys in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. It features a robust hull with IP67 waterproofing and is driven by four powerful thrusters, enhancing its mobility and flexibility.
- HydroBoat 1200 — USV by SatLab Geosolutions (Sweden). civilian surface platform. Length: 1.229m. Range: 24km. Speed: 0.1 – 6 m/s. The HydroBoat 1200 is a multipurpose uncrewed surface vessel designed for hydrographic surveying and monitoring. It features a multibeam echo sounder for precise bathymetric data collection and offers a range of 24 km with two batteries. The USV is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for various aquatic environments.
- HydroBoat 990 — USV by SatLab Geosolutions. civilian surface platform. Single-operator USV with built-in echosounder.
- BlueBoat — USV by Blue Robotics (United States). civilian surface platform. Affordable modular robotic surface vessel with open-source BlueOS software.
- Saildrone Surveyor — USV by Saildrone (United States). dual-use surface platform. Length: 20m. Speed: 6 knots mapping speed. 20-meter USV for persistent maritime ISR and deep-ocean mapping with renewable auxiliary propulsion.
- Saildrone Voyager — USV by Saildrone (United States). dual-use surface platform. Length: 10m. Speed: 5 knots mapping speed. 10-meter USV optimized for coastal ISR, mapping, and safety missions.
- Saildrone Explorer — USV by Saildrone (United States). dual-use surface platform. Length: 7m. 7-meter USV designed for up to year-long remote ocean monitoring operations.
- L42 USV — USV by OceanAlpha (China). civilian surface platform. Range: 1500km. Long-endurance offshore survey USV with modular mission architecture.
- SL40 USV — USV by OceanAlpha (China). civilian surface platform. Inland-water survey USV optimized for shallow-water hydrographic work.
- Sea Hunter — MUSV by DARPA / U.S. Navy (United States). military surface platform. Prototype autonomous medium unmanned surface vessel operated by the U.S. Navy.
- Sea Hawk — MUSV by DARPA / U.S. Navy (United States). military surface platform. Prototype autonomous medium unmanned surface vessel operated by the U.S. Navy alongside Sea Hunter.
- USX-1 Defiant — MUSV by DARPA (United States). military surface platform. Length: 54.86m. No-Manning-Required-Ship demonstrator built for long autonomous missions without humans aboard.
- MAGURA V5 — USV by SpetsTechnoExport / HUR-linked Ukrainian development (Ukraine). military surface platform. Length: 5.5m. Range: 830km. Speed: 42 knots. Ukrainian multipurpose combat USV used in the Black Sea war and widely reported in strike operations.
- Sea Baby — USV by Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) (Ukraine). military surface platform. Length: 6m. Range: 1000km. Speed: 90 km/h. Ukrainian naval drone with large explosive payload and long combat radius.
- Envoy AUV — AUV by Cellula Robotics (Canada). dual-use underwater platform. Range: 3704km. Survey-class AUV with configurable payloads and battery or hydrogen-fuel-cell power options.
- Porter AUV — XLAUV by Cellula Robotics (Canada). dual-use underwater platform. Range: 5000km. Extra-large AUV for long-endurance commercial survey and payload deployment.
- Guardian AUV — XLAUV by Cellula Robotics (Canada). military underwater platform. Range: 5000km. Defense-oriented extra-large AUV specialized for naval ISR and long-range autonomous operations.
- Subsea Warden AUV — AUV by Cellula Robotics (Canada). dual-use underwater platform. Hovering AUV platform designed for extended subsea persistence and configurable sensing/manipulation payloads.
- A9-E AUV — AUV by Exail (France). dual-use underwater platform. Autonomous underwater vehicle for maritime applications.
- Osprey AUV — AUV by Teledyne Marine. dual-use underwater platform. Modular long-range AUV with enhanced payload capacity.
- Gavia AUV — AUV by Teledyne Marine. dual-use underwater platform. Modular AUV family used across research, commercial, and defense sectors.
- SeaRaptor — AUV by Teledyne Marine. dual-use underwater platform. Deepwater AUV designed for flexible sensor integration.
- Slocum G3 Glider — Glider by Teledyne Marine. dual-use underwater platform. Long-range buoyancy-driven autonomous ocean glider.
- R7 ROV — ROV by Exail (France). dual-use underwater platform. Compact observation-class ROV rated to 300 meters.
- Seascan Mk2 — ROV by Exail (France). dual-use underwater platform. Lightweight self-propelled inspection ROV.
- Hydrus Micro Hovering AUV — AUV by Advanced Navigation (Australia). dual-use underwater platform. Micro hovering AUV for point inspection and benthic survey.
- SRV-8C — ROV by RJE Oceanbotics (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Compact portable ROV for underwater inspection and survey.
- SRV-8 MDV — ROV by RJE Oceanbotics (United States). military underwater platform. Underwater robotic mine disposal and EOD vehicle.
- SRV-8X Optimus — ROV by RJE Oceanbotics (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Larger, more powerful battery-operated SRV-8 derivative for deeper and more demanding missions.
- SRV-8 ROV — ROV by RJE Oceanbotics (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Eight-thruster inspection and survey ROV.
- Mission Specialist Wraith — ROV by VideoRay (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Compact high-performance 6-DOF ROV positioned as the flagship of the Mission Specialist line.
- Mission Specialist Ally ROV — ROV by VideoRay (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Compact ROV designed for optimal power and lift in a maneuverable package.
- Mission Specialist Defender — ROV by VideoRay (United States). military underwater platform. Heavy-payload ROV built for challenging missions and frequently marketed into defense/EOD roles.
- Mission Specialist Pro 5 — ROV by VideoRay (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Compact three-thruster ROV optimized for speed and efficiency.
- SEAEXPLORER 1000 — Glider by ALSEAMAR (France). dual-use underwater platform. Newest-generation autonomous underwater glider with up to 110-day endurance and low acoustic signature.
- SEAEXPLORER 200 — Glider by ALSEAMAR (France). dual-use underwater platform. Shallow-water underwater glider optimized for 20 to 200 meter operations.
- SPECTRA ROV — ROV by Deep Trekker (Canada). dual-use underwater platform. Inspection-class ROV for offshore inspection, repair, and maintenance up to 1,000 m depth.
- PHOTON ROV — ROV by Deep Trekker (Canada). civilian underwater platform. Portable micro-ROV built for rugged field inspection work.
- DTG3 ROV — ROV by Deep Trekker (Canada). civilian underwater platform. Observation-class ROV for quick deployment and reliable surveys.
- REVOLUTION ROV — ROV by Deep Trekker (Canada). dual-use underwater platform. Advanced six-thruster ROV for demanding underwater missions.
- PIVOT ROV — ROV by Deep Trekker (Canada). dual-use underwater platform. Portable ROV positioned around advanced location tracking and stable control.
- Phantom 2 UUV/AUV — AUV by Dynautics (United Kingdom). dual-use underwater platform. Next-generation modular underwater platform built on Dynautics autopilot and DP technologies.
- ecoSUBm-Power+ v2 AUV — AUV by ecoSUB Robotics (United Kingdom). dual-use underwater platform. One-person portable next-generation AUV offered in multiple depth-rated configurations.
- ecoSUBµ5 AUV — AUV by ecoSUB Robotics (United Kingdom). dual-use underwater platform. Ultra-compact 500-meter micro-AUV that can be launched from UAVs, USVs, and XLUUVs.
- ecoSUBm5 & ecoSUBm25 AUV — AUV by ecoSUB Robotics (United Kingdom). dual-use underwater platform. Portable ecoSUBm series with 500 m and 2500 m depth-rated variants.
- ecoSUBm5 Power+ AUV — AUV by ecoSUB Robotics (United Kingdom). dual-use underwater platform. Enhanced-power ecoSUBm configuration with extra space and batteries for sensors and endurance.
- Boxfish AUV — AUV by Boxfish Robotics (New Zealand). dual-use underwater platform. Tetherless hovering autonomous underwater vehicle from Boxfish Robotics.
- Boxfish Alpha ROV — ROV by Boxfish Robotics (New Zealand). dual-use underwater platform. Next-generation ROV for inspection and observation.
- Boxfish ROV — ROV by Boxfish Robotics (New Zealand). dual-use underwater platform. Professional ROV for inspection, observation, and remote expeditions.
- Boxfish Luna — ROV by Boxfish Robotics (New Zealand). civilian underwater platform. Submersible cinematography-oriented underwater drone.
- BlueROV2 — ROV by Blue Robotics (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Highly customizable underwater ROV with open-source software and large installed base.
- Bluefin-9 — UUV by General Dynamics Mission Systems (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Two-man-portable lightweight autonomous UUV with fast turnaround time.
- Bluefin-12 — UUV by General Dynamics Mission Systems (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Lightweight medium-class UUV with embedded intelligence and modularity.
- Bluefin-21 — UUV by General Dynamics Mission Systems (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Highly modular large UUV with high energy capacity for extended operations at great depth.
- REMUS 100 — UUV by HII (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Small REMUS platform widely used for survey and training missions.
- REMUS 300 — SUUV by HII (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Next-generation two-person-portable UUV and commercial basis for the U.S. Navy Lionfish program.
- REMUS 620 — UUV by HII (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Second-generation medium-class UUV engineered for endurance, mission capacity, and collaborative autonomy.
- REMUS 6000 — UUV by HII (United States). dual-use underwater platform. Large-class UUV for deep-water exploration and high-capacity payload integration.
- Orca XLUUV — XLUUV by Boeing (United States). military underwater platform. Autonomous extra-large UUV for the U.S. Navy, marketed for monthslong long-range missions.
- Manta Ray — UUV by Northrop Grumman (United States). military underwater platform. New class of uncrewed underwater vehicle for long-duration, long-range operations.
- BlueWhale — UUV by IAI / ELTA / ATLAS ELEKTRONIK (Israel). military underwater platform. Speed: 7 knots. Autonomous submarine system positioned for ASW, covert missions, and secure ISR.
- Ghost Shark — XLAUV by Anduril Australia (Australia). military underwater platform. Australian extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle that entered a formal program of record in 2025.
- HSU-001 — LDUUV by People's Liberation Army Navy (China). military underwater platform. Length: 5m. Chinese large-displacement unmanned underwater vehicle with limited public technical detail.
- Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) — USV by US Navy. military surface platform. Range: 5556km. 66-foot modular catamaran USV supporting seven mission profiles including ASW, strike, and EW/ISR, with 67,200 lbs payload capacity and 3,000 nm range.
- Multi Mission Uncrewed Surface Vessel (MMUSV) — USV by Textron Systems. military surface platform. Fifth-generation multi-mission USV building on the proven CUSV platform, with doubled payload capacity up to 5,900 kg and operations through Sea State 5.
- Caravel — USV by Bulwark Dynamics. civilian surface platform. Length: 15m. Autonomous landing craft designed for contested shore-to-shore logistics delivery without requiring port infrastructure or dedicated deployment systems.
- Oceanus17 — USV by ZeroUSV. dual-use surface platform. All-aluminium 17m monohull USV with 50+ day endurance, 4-tonne payload bay, and Level 4 autonomous navigation for persistent ocean survey missions.
- M48 USV — USV by Magnet Defense. military surface platform. Range: 59200km. 48-meter combat-capable catamaran USV with 17,000 nm self-deploying range, 100-ton payload capacity, and multi-domain mission flexibility.
- Skarlupa — USV by Russia. military surface platform. Russia's first mass-produced fiber-optic controlled USV, resistant to electronic warfare, serving as both a reconnaissance platform and a mobile drone launch base.
- TRITON — AUSV by Ocean Aero. military surface platform. World's first wind and solar-powered autonomous surface and underwater vehicle (AUSV), capable of 30+ day surface missions and autonomous submergence to 100m depth.
- SP-7V2 — UUV by Cardona Marine Group Inc.. military underwater platform. Biomimetic stealth UUV resembling a juvenile orca, featuring shark-skin riblet coating, custom electric flume drive, and hull-attachment capability for covert extended operations.
- Alligator — USV by Skana Robotics. dual-use surface platform. Range: 556km. Autonomous amphibious vessel transitioning between land and water via retractable tracks, capable of 40-knot speeds and 1,500 kg payload, part of a connected multi-domain fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle)?
A USV is an unmanned surface vehicle — a crewless boat or ship that operates on the water surface either autonomously or via remote control. USVs are used for naval patrol, oceanographic survey, mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, logistics delivery, and environmental monitoring. Sea Drone World catalogs USVs from manufacturers worldwide.
What is an AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle)?
An AUV is an autonomous underwater vehicle — a self-propelled, untethered submersible robot that carries out missions without real-time human control. AUVs are used for seafloor mapping, pipeline inspection, mine detection, oceanographic research, and military reconnaissance. They navigate using pre-programmed waypoints and onboard sensors.
What is the difference between an AUV and an ROV?
An AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) operates independently without a tether, following pre-programmed missions. An ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is connected to a surface vessel via an umbilical cable and is controlled in real-time by a human operator. ROVs offer continuous power and real-time video, while AUVs offer greater range and endurance for survey missions.
What are military sea drones used for?
Military sea drones (both surface and underwater) are used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), mine countermeasures (MCM), intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, logistics delivery in contested waters, and strike missions. Examples include the DARPA Sea Hunter, Boeing Orca XLUUV, and the Ukrainian MAGURA V5.
What is the largest unmanned surface vehicle?
Some of the largest USVs include the Magnet Defense M48 at 48 meters (157 feet) with a 17,000 nm range, the DARPA/Leidos Sea Hunter at 40 meters designed for anti-submarine warfare, and the Textron MMUSV. Large USVs are typically designed for extended open-ocean missions lasting weeks to months.
How deep can underwater drones go?
Underwater drone depth ratings vary widely by design. Shallow inspection ROVs operate to 100-300 meters. Mid-range AUVs like the REMUS series reach 600-6,000 meters. Full-ocean-depth vehicles like the Kongsberg Hugin can reach 6,000 meters. Some specialized gliders and research AUVs operate at abyssal depths beyond 5,000 meters.
How many maritime drone manufacturers exist worldwide?
Sea Drone World tracks 40 manufacturers across 13 countries. Major manufacturers include Saildrone (USA), Kongsberg (Norway), ECA Group/Exail (France), L3Harris (USA), and Deep Trekker (Canada). The industry spans defense contractors, ocean technology startups, and academic spin-offs.
What is Sea Drone World?
Sea Drone World is the most comprehensive open-access reference catalog for maritime unmanned vehicles. It indexes 92 platforms from 40 manufacturers, covering USVs, AUVs, ROVs, UUVs, and autonomous gliders. Each platform entry includes technical specifications, manufacturer details, mission roles, and operational status. The data is freely available via the website and a JSON API.
Data Access
All data is available via a free JSON API at https://seadroneatlas.com/api/drones. A machine-readable plain-text export is available at https://seadroneatlas.com/llms-full.txt. The site overview for AI systems is at https://seadroneatlas.com/llms.txt.