Kayak - autonomous marine systems

About Kayak

Kayak is a small narrow boat primarily designed to be manually propelled by users with the help of a double-bladed paddle. It is a modular kayak, comprising of three separate sections. Here two sections of the kayak are used, with the scope of addition of a third section. Each section is 1.2 m in length and 0.6 m wide at the broadest cross section, held together with a notch type open hinge and flexible retaining clamps. It has a water displacement weight of 35 kg. It is designed to support weight of two adult humans which can be approximated to 150 kg, but since only two sections are used instead of all three it may be approximated to support half that weight. This includes weight of the motors, battery, all the electronics etc. and after all the essential components have been installed this kayak has scope for 50 kg of payload. Being modular gives the benefit of having individual ballasts. Each section is completely sealed off. Even if one of them develops leakage the vessel will not capsize. Modularity also helps in the transportation of the USV. Red colour was selected as it provides enhanced visibility of the USV to nearby marine vehicles. And will also aid in identification for visual systems on other USVs and UAVs when in a heterogeneous multi-agent configuration.