A step change in UAS capability has hit both maritime and aerospace systems, in the form of the RISER inspection platform.
Blue Bear engineers, in partnership with CREATEC, inspected the HMS Illustrious (R06), an aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy. The RISER system demonstrated how automated unmanned systems can safely fly inside ships for inspection. The trials were also conducted in partnership with Lloyd’s Register, and demonstrated the safe navigation and flight of the RISER system, representing a significant milestone in the development of this system. Trials lead Dr Ian Cowling, Technical Director at Blue Bear, said “These trials successfully demonstrated the potential for this technology within such a challenging environment and it was fantastic to see the system perform but also for our partners BP and Lloyds Register to get excited by the potential of this new capability”.
Inspecting large structures, such as cargo and hangar spaces, takes significant amounts of time and is often dark, unpleasant and dangerous. The RISER system enables remote repeatable inspection and storage of the data for future interrogation. Even in difficult and light deprived areas, the RISER inspection systems allowed current and potential damage inside the ship to be identified and assessed, which could ultimately cost millions in loss of revenue whilst the ship is unused, due to inspection and repair.
Moreover, the UAS, developed between Blue Bear and CREATEC, is a highly automated system designed to operate in complex indoor environments, and perform tasks not possible with existing platforms. The system combines a rotary Unmanned Aerial System, with novel flight management and navigation systems, to address the problem of access, while improving speed and accuracy of surveys. Ultimately, this is a huge escalation in UAS capability, allowing maritime and aero systems to perform better than they ever have before.
These trials were facilitated by NCHQ as part of the Unmanned Warrior 16 activities.
Blue Bear are a leading and proven supplier of innovative research and solutions in the field of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. The SME deliver efficient solutions based on cost effectiveness, customer collaboration, and quality, using the highest level of technology and intelligence.
The CREATEC team have extensive experience in sensor technology, image applications, and software approaches, developing technological solutions to a huge range of problems. They have been successful in developing systems that are currently being use around the world.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global engineering, technical and business services organisation. Founded in 1760 as a marine classification society, LR now operates across many industry sectors in 78 countries. Lloyd’s Register has a long-standing reputation for integrity, impartiality and technical excellence, its compliance, risk and technical consultancy services give clients confidence that their assets and businesses are safe, sustainable and dependable. Lloyd’s Register are at the forefront of understanding the application of new science and technology to business needs.
Unmanned Warrior (UW) is an event organised by the Royal Navy, to bring companies together from all over the world to demonstrate their achievements in innovation. The event seeks to ‘reshape’ the market to provide new opportunities, and improve the capability for the Navy. The large scale demonstration of maritime autonomous systems begins in October 2016.
