Optimized design of an unmanned surface vehicle

A multi-role unmanned surface vehicle (USV) has been recently designed at the Technical University of Crete. This paper highlights the methodology used for the optimized design. A market research was initially performed so as to evaluate the global USV´s market. Based on the relevant market findings, certain characteristics and performance specifications were set. An iterative genetic algorithm process was utilized to ensure compliance with the desired characteristics. Finite element modelling was used in tandem with genetic optimization so as to justify design´s feasibility. Open sea tests that carried out evaluated the actual performance of the USV.