WAM-V 16
Gallery
Overview
Compact 16 ft WAM-V unmanned surface vessel with articulated suspension hulls for hydrographic survey, data collection, autonomy research, and security payloads.
WAM-V 16 is a dual-use unmanned surface vessel offered by Ocean Power Technologies in the United States. The platform uses the WAM-V wave-adaptive modular vessel architecture, with twin hulls and articulated suspension intended to reduce payload motion and maintain useful sensor data quality in varied sea states. OPT positions the 5.3 m craft for small to medium marine data collection, hydrographic survey, coastal and shoaling-area work, autonomy development, maritime security, and force-multiplier operations from shore, trailer, or vessel deck. Published product-page specifications include 5.3 m length, 2.4 m beam, 0.64 m draft, 344 kg lightship weight, up to 11 kt speed, up to 7.5 hr endurance at 5 kt, and 147-193 kg payload capacity depending on battery configuration.
Primary Roles
Notes
Ocean Power Technologies lists the WAM-V 16 as a 17.4 ft (5.3 m) USV with 8 ft beam, 25 in draft, 757 lb lightship weight, up to 11 kt speed, up to 7.5 hr endurance at 5 kt, 2 x 3 kW electric propulsion, and standard GPS waypoint navigation, rugged GPS/INS, encrypted wireless network, camera, lights, ROCS, ROBO-HELM, and optional survey payloads such as multibeam sonar, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, AIS, retractable sensor mount, and onboard survey workstation.