CHC Navigation has released the APACHE 4 PRO, a multi-purpose Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) engineered to streamline complex hydrographic and bathymetric survey workflows.
The USV is designed for high mission flexibility, allowing survey professionals to configure the platform for specific environmental tasks. It provides native compatibility with various mainstream Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) and integrates directly with the CHCNAV HQ-400 Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES). This versatility enables the vessel to handle diverse applications ranging from detailed underwater mapping and current profiling to comprehensive water quality analysis.
To ensure durability in challenging marine environments, the APACHE 4 PRO features a triple-hull structure manufactured from high-strength carbon fiber using one-piece molding technology. This construction offers significant resistance to collisions and impacts. The propulsion system is shielded by protective mesh covers to reduce the risk of mechanical damage, while an integrated titanium alloy mesh and hybrid water-flow design minimize the potential for entanglement with aquatic vegetation. In the event of an obstruction, the system provides on-screen alerts to notify the operator.
Navigation and data collection are managed through adaptive algorithms and anti-interference transducers, which maintain precision even in complex underwater terrains. The vessel utilizes dual GNSS antenna positioning to enhance accuracy during autonomous deployments.
Operators manage the USV via the Android-based EasySail app, which supports both 4G and 2.4 GHz connectivity for real-time remote control. This interface allows for automated route planning and the monitoring of mission progress. The system also includes obstacle detection alerts to improve safety during independent operations. As a global provider of geospatial solutions, CHCNAV developed this platform to provide a reliable, end-to-end solution for detailed environmental monitoring and underwater mapping.
