A Practical Approach to Modeling and Identification of Small Autonomous Surface Craft

This paper discusses the theoretical model of an autonomous surface craft (ASC) with respect to the performance of basic sensors usually available onboard small and relatively low- cost vessels. The aim is to define a practical model and the corresponding identification procedure for simulation, guidance, and control of this class of vehicles. The work is supported by the extended at-sea trials carried out with the autonomous catamaran prototype Charlie2005.