The Piranha USV conducting sea trials in Puget Sound
"This isn't science fiction anymore. We're taking a decade of research into nano-enhanced materials and applying it to real applications outside of the laboratory. Better materials make better products."
Everett, WA (PRWEB) October 17, 2010
Zyvex Technologies announces the start of initial sea trials and reveals the first official images of the Piranha Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The largest structure ever built with nano-enhanced carbon fiber, the Piranha USV is a 54’ vessel that weighs less than 9,000 lbs. For unmanned operations, the lightweight Piranha USV has dramatic increases in range, payload, and fuel efficiency that make it ideal for long range surveillance, patrol, and anti-piracy operations.
Compared to other vessels built from traditionally heavier materials such as aluminum, the Piranha USV has ten times the range, three times the payload, and a 75% increase in fuel efficiency. “Our materials technology makes this possible,” says Russell Belden, Vice President of the Advanced Composite Solutions group for Zyvex Technologies. “This is a cost-effective platform that will enable useful unmanned surface vessel operations for the United States and our allies. Unmanned aerial operations have proved essential over the last decade and we believe that this platform will deliver a future of secure harbors and safety on the high seas.”
The current customers for the Piranha USV are larger defense contractors who are searching for the most capable maritime platform for their unmanned systems. While unmanned aircraft are able to provide a broad aerial view, unmanned surface vessels can remain on station for weeks and provide a persistent, direct view for surveillance and security. A fuel efficient USV can perform many missions, such as anti-submarine warfare or anti-piracy, at a fraction of the cost of manned aircraft or ships and help identify threats that require manned assets.
While the Piranha USV was initially developed for the unmanned military market, the fuel efficiency advantages hold great potential for a manned military or civilian variant. The estimated $2 million boat has already demonstrated a fuel consumption rate of 12 gallons per hour at a cruising speed of 24 kts. Compared to a traditional boat’s consumption of 50 gallons per hour, the Piranha offers a 75% reduction in fuel consumption costs.
Columbus, OH based Zyvex Technologies built the Piranha in its Seattle, WA facility. Zyvex Technologies will continue to build military and civilian variants of the Piranha platform to expand its presence in the maritime market. Larger and smaller versions of the design are also under consideration.
“This isn’t science fiction anymore. We’re taking a decade of research into nano-enhanced materials and applying it to real applications outside of the laboratory,” said Lance Criscuolo, President of Zyvex Technologies. “Better materials make better products.”
Sea trials will continue in the vicinity of Puget Sound for the next few months. More details about the performance capabilities of the Piranha USV can be found on its website: http://www.piranhausv.com.
Zyvex Technologies unlocks the power of nanomaterials. Headquartered in Columbus, OH, with facilities in Texas, South Dakota, and Washington, Zyvex Technologies was the first company to bring nano-enhanced products to the marketplace. Their commercially proven technology makes composite products stronger, lighter, tougher, and stiffer. Through materials development, prototype design, and construction, Zyvex Technologies helps their customers create a new generation of advanced composite products. For more information, please contact info(at)zyvextech(dot)com or visit http://www.zyvextech.com
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