Marine

FrankenDrone USV goes where other remote-control watercraft can't

FrankenDrone USV goes where other remote-control watercraft can't
The FrankenDrone can travel easily in shallow water
The FrankenDrone can travel easily in shallow water
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A diagram of one possible configuration of the FrankenDrone
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A diagram of one possible configuration of the FrankenDrone
Some of the interchangeable front end caps
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Some of the interchangeable front end caps
The FrankenDrone can travel easily in shallow water
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The FrankenDrone can travel easily in shallow water
Although the steering servo is exposed in the prototype, production versions would see it sealed against water and salt damage
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Although the steering servo is exposed in the prototype, production versions would see it sealed against water and salt damage
The FrankenDrone prototype, with a GoPro camera mounted on top
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The FrankenDrone prototype, with a GoPro camera mounted on top
Schematic drawings of the FrankenDrone
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Schematic drawings of the FrankenDrone
Although it’s still in the working prototype stage, the idea is that buyers will be able to select between a variety of pre-built components, then assemble them to create their own purpose-specific watercraft
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Although it’s still in the working prototype stage, the idea is that buyers will be able to select between a variety of pre-built components, then assemble them to create their own purpose-specific watercraft
The FrankenDrone prototype in testing
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The FrankenDrone prototype in testing
Plans also call for completely-assembled FrankenDrones to be available for purchase
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Plans also call for completely-assembled FrankenDrones to be available for purchase
A pledge of $1,200 will be required to get you everything you need to assemble a complete system
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A pledge of $1,200 will be required to get you everything you need to assemble a complete system
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If you want to explore places like the shallow, weedy Florida Everglades, do you use a traditional boat with a submerged propeller? Heck no, you use an air boat! You know, one of those things with the big airplane-style propeller on the back – the boat is pushed across the surface of the water, and there are no fragile underwater bits to worry about. Aerospace engineer Larry Friese has taken that same principle, and applied it to his remote-control FrankenDrone USV ... or Unmanned Surface Vehicle.

First of all, there are already quite a variety of radio-controlled air boats commercially available. What makes the FrankenDrone different is the fact that – like some flying quadcopter drones – it’s designed more as a practical tool than as a not-so-useful miniaturized model.

Although it’s still in the working prototype stage, the idea is that buyers will be able to select between a variety of pre-built components, then assemble them to create their own purpose-specific watercraft – hence the reference to Frankenstein in the name.

A diagram of one possible configuration of the FrankenDrone
A diagram of one possible configuration of the FrankenDrone

As can be seen in the diagram above, all versions of the USV would consist mainly of a central sealable body, capable of carrying small cargo items; two flotation pontoons linked to that body by struts; interchangeable front end caps for different applications; and, a rear propeller driven by a sealed electric motor.

The operator could remotely swivel that motor/propeller to either side, allowing the FrankenDrone to be steered via thrust vectoring. Although the servo is exposed in the prototype, production versions would see it sealed against water and salt damage.

Although it’s still in the working prototype stage, the idea is that buyers will be able to select between a variety of pre-built components, then assemble them to create their own purpose-specific watercraft
Although it’s still in the working prototype stage, the idea is that buyers will be able to select between a variety of pre-built components, then assemble them to create their own purpose-specific watercraft

Additionally, the main body would incorporate longerons (not installed on the prototype shown above) – laterally-mounted raised strips with holes drilled in them, designed to let users attach all manner of tools and other objects to the USV. According to Friese, these could include things like cameras with pan/tilt gimbal mounts, microphones, lights, bait bags(!) and underwater cameras.

Larry is currently raising productions funds for the FrankenDrone, on Kickstarter. While some combinations of components are available for lesser amounts, a pledge of US$1,200 will be required to get you everything you need to assemble a complete system. For $2,400, you can get one that’s already put together and ready to go, when and if the funding goal is met.

The prototype can be seen in action in the video below.

Source: FrankenDrone via Kickstarter

FrankenDrone USV Maneuverability

View gallery - 10 images
4 comments
4 comments
techmanmacho
I have an even better idea for an USV. It's called a hovercraft......
attoman
Exactly as quoted- in marshy, weedy areas of shallow water this craft will be caught and fail.
Airboats work because of mass, power and clearance. Even so airboats wreck on larger flotsam, large trees, structures and other boats.
Try again?
Jim Sadler
For shallow areas it is just fine but in areas with grasses and reeds and the like this boat doesn't have a chance. The propeller on a normal airboat rides high enough not to be grinding into reeds and the boats are wide enough and long enough to deflect reeds nicely. For shallow water use alone a front mounted paddle wheel would work better than an air prop. If the tiny vessel comes across an area that is too shallow or is too filled with floating weeds the paddle can actually pull the boat along even touching the bottom a bit.
attoman
Actually the breakthrough solution set should be obvious and its definitely not paddle wheels.
Of course I mean obvious to a creative mind willing to explore not obvious in the sense of patents where it means a simple step obvious to all who practice the art.