Exail Unveils DriX O-16 Transoceanic Autonomous Vessel

Defense News ,Europe :-  Exail, a frontrunner in maritime autonomy solutions, has introduced its latest innovation in unmanned surface vessels (USVs), the DriX O-16. With an impressive range of 2,500 nautical miles and a robust naval design capable of withstanding extreme ocean conditions, the DriX O-16 is engineered for extended operations lasting up to 30 days and facilitates the deployment of multiple payloads and subsea assets.

Building upon the proven success of its predecessor, the DriX USV launched in 2017, which has accumulated over 150,000 operational hours across 19 countries, the DriX O-16 incorporates hybrid propulsion, redundant architecture, advanced communication systems, and AI-driven obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities. These features ensure exceptional reliability, operational efficiency, and expanded multi-mission capabilities, enhancing autonomous maritime operations.

The versatility of Exail's new transoceanic USV enables the launch and retrieval of various subsea assets, including remotely operated towed vehicles (ROTVs), inspection-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Its submerged gondola provides space for a diverse array of payloads such as deep-water multibeam echosounders (MBES), sub-bottom profilers (SBP), and acoustic subsea positioning and communication systems (USBL). Consequently, the DriX O-16 is ideally suited for comprehensive oceanographic surveys, geophysical exploration, unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection, and inspection of subsea infrastructure, necessitating the simultaneous deployment of multiple robotic systems.

Olivier Cervantes, VP of Maritime Autonomy Solutions at Exail, elucidates, "With the advent of our next-generation transoceanic, low-carbon USV, we are expanding the horizons of oceanic exploration, fostering collaborative autonomy between surface and subsea drones while minimizing human exposure at sea. The introduction of the DriX O-16 marks a significant leap forward in autonomous maritime operations, as we anticipate a shift towards multi-robot missions within the maritime industry in the forthcoming years."

In summary, Exail's unveiling of the DriX O-16 represents a groundbreaking advancement in autonomous maritime technology, promising to revolutionize oceanic exploration and subsea operations. With its unparalleled capabilities and adaptability, the DriX O-16 is poised to redefine the future of maritime autonomy and contribute to safer, more efficient marine endeavors worldwide.