Bottom Feeder™

Patented autonomous undersea vehicle with fast swim and high maneuverability modes, modular mission bay, and deployable tethered floating antenna for surface comms.

Technology Overview

Bottom Feeder™ is a patented autonomous undersea vehicle that integrates fast swim and high-maneuverability modes in a single, versatile craft.

The craft can operate autonomously or under remote control and is well suited for complex undersea missions involving grid search, close-in inspection, and object recovery.

Bottom Feeder™ has completed SBIR Phase II demonstration and is ready to enter production and conduct mission operations.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Patented dual-mode thruster technology features in-line and vectored configurations, enabling efficient fast swim and high maneuverability modes in a single craft.

  • Operates in both fully-autonomous (AUV) and remotely-controlled (ROV) modes, providing hands-on control during specialized or precision control operations.

  • Expansive modular mission bay offers flexibility for mission requirements, including the ability to integrate manipulators, deploy payloads, or carry sensing equipment.

  • Deployable/retrievable fiber optic tether with floating antenna enables direct high-bandwidth communication and control while at depth.

  • Open architecture design methodology allows easy integration of a wide range of sensors, including sonar, lidar, cameras, and physical manipulators, providing a high versatility for varying mission sets.

  • Efficient electric propulsion and robust energy storage enables continuous operation for up to 12 hours.

  • Design rated for up to 1,000 meter depth.

  • Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7, with proven operational demonstration.