Marine propulsion systems convert onboard or externally supplied energy into thrust for the movement and maneuvering of unmanned marine vehicles. Systems may use electric motors, internal combustion engines, hybrid-electric architectures, fuel cells, or tether-supplied power to drive propellers, waterjets, and thrusters.
This page showcases suppliers of marine propulsion systems for USVs, AUVs, ROVs, underwater gliders, and unmanned survey boats.
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High Performance Electric Propulsion Systems for Uncrewed and Autonomous Platforms
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Marine propulsion systems convert onboard or externally supplied energy into thrust, allowing a vessel or underwater vehicle to move and maneuver. A complete system may include an engine or electric motor, a power supply, drive electronics or a mechanical drivetrain, a propeller or underwater thruster, and controls.
For unmanned platforms, propulsion affects more than transit speed. It influences how long a vehicle can operate, whether it can hold position against a current, and how precisely it can follow a route or control a payload. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and underwater gliders place different demands on their propulsion systems.
RAD 40, a compact electric vessel propulsion system, from RAD Propulsion
An electric propulsion system uses a motor to drive a propeller, waterjet, or thruster. Power may come from onboard batteries or another electrical source. Drive electronics regulate the power supplied to the motor, allowing responsive thrust control. Electric drives can suit vehicles that need precise low-speed movement, although battery capacity and power demand constrain endurance.
Internal combustion engines drive propellers or waterjets through a mechanical drivetrain, or generate electricity for an electric drive. Fuel storage can support extended surface missions, making engine propulsion relevant to larger USVs and boats that travel long distances. These systems also require fuel handling, cooling, exhaust arrangements, and regular maintenance.
Hybrid systems combine an engine or generator with batteries and electric propulsion. The vehicle can draw on stored energy during selected operating periods and run its generator when additional power or battery charging is required. The useful balance depends on the mission’s speed profile, onboard equipment loads, and opportunities to recharge.
A fuel cell converts stored fuel into electricity for a propulsion motor and other onboard equipment. Fuel cell systems may be paired with batteries to meet changes in power demand. Their suitability depends on fuel storage, supporting equipment, safety requirements, and the energy needs of the particular surface or underwater vehicle.
Many ROVs receive electrical power from a surface vessel through an umbilical, allowing them to operate without relying solely on onboard batteries. The supplied power may drive electric thrusters or support hydraulic equipment used for propulsion. Multiple independently controlled thrusters provide the directional control needed for inspection, intervention, and operation in currents.
A propulsion system must deliver the movement and control required throughout the vehicle’s mission:
Dolphin Series, high-efficiency electric propulsion, from Honeywell Aerospace
Forward and reverse motion: Propellers, waterjets, or thrusters move the vehicle along its intended path and, where configured to do so, provide reverse thrust.
The required thrust and control authority depend on the vehicle, payload, and conditions at the operating site.
USV propulsion ranges from compact electric outboards to engine-driven and hybrid arrangements. Selection depends on hull form, payload, transit distance, required speed, and time on station. An autonomous control system must also be able to command and monitor propulsion reliably during route following and maneuvering.
A propulsion system for an AUV commonly uses onboard electrical energy to drive a propeller or thrusters. Survey AUVs may prioritize efficient forward travel, while vehicles built for inspection may need additional thrusters for hovering and movement in several directions. Underwater endurance is closely linked to drag, speed, battery capacity, and payload power consumption.
ROVs often use several independently controlled thrusters to translate, turn, and maintain position underwater. Their layout affects how effectively the vehicle can resist current and counter forces from its tether or tooling. Compact inspection ROVs commonly use electric thrusters, while some larger work-class systems use hydraulic propulsion.
Most underwater gliders move by changing buoyancy and using wings to convert ascent and descent into forward travel. This approach uses relatively little energy during long missions, but it produces different speeds and maneuvering behavior from motor-driven AUV propulsion. Some gliders also carry a propeller or other auxiliary drive for specific operating needs.
Unmanned survey boats are a type of USV whose propulsion must support steady speed and controlled track keeping while instruments collect data. Low vibration and predictable motion can be useful when carrying sonar or other sensitive sensors. Shallow draft, weed resistance, and easy deployment may matter more than high transit speed for nearshore and inland-water surveys.
Development across marine propulsion technologies addresses energy use, control, and the practical integration of power sources:
For an unmanned platform, the most useful development is one that meets its endurance and control requirements within the available space, weight, and power budget.
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