Kitt Cat for unmanned ops

Mar 1st, 2018

Introducing the latest 11.2m long cab in support of autonomous and unmanned operations. Named ‘Kitt’ after Knightrider’s famous self-steering and nearly indestructible car, the 11.2m was completed on the Isle of Wight for ASV Global, market leaders in the manufacture and operation of autonomous vessel technology.

With driverless cars now a reality and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) operational for decades it’s no surprise that boats are a natural progression. The tech is being developed unsurprisingly fast with military, defence and applications which rely heavily on manpower as the major users.

Kitt left the Cheetah workshops as a Cat 2 MCA coded vessel for 12 persons and is powered by twin 350hp Mercury Verado outboards. Top speeds during sea trials exceeded 40 knots with cruising speeds from 20-23 knots at 3000rpm. ASV Global will be completing post-delivery installations including the ASView Autonomous Control System which is the industry’s leading conversion package providing autonomy for manned vessels.

The Cheetah will be crewed throughout seatrials within the Solent test area whilst developing the unmanned, autonomous and ROV aspects. The project, part funded by the Solent LEP will also provide Kitt as a low cost, test platform for small industry to trial and demonstrate their innovations within a controlled environment. Considerable interest has been shown from a multitude of development areas including communications, UAV and specialist survey and navigation applications.

CABIN FIT OUT

The large 3.5 x 3.5m wheelhouse provides generous space for a variety of tasks. The starboard hull area is assigned for the autonomous hardware keeping the cabin area clear for two full length survey work tops with storage for computer installation below. A compact galley area includes hob, microwave, sink and fridge. The wheelhouse is equipped with heating and air con with access forward to the port hull which accommodates a marine toilet. Embedded deck tracking provides a safe and reconfigurable seating solution.

For more information and details on chartering Kitt or the ASView autonomous control system contact ASV Global.