CHCNAV APACHE 4 | Autonomous Hydrographic Survey USV

CHCNAV APACHE 4

Autonomous Hydrographic & Bathymetric Survey USV

Precision Surveying on the Water

The APACHE 4 is a multi-platform Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) engineered for precise hydrographic, bathymetric, and hydrological surveys. Built with a highly visible, lightweight macromolecule polyester carbon fiber hull, it is designed for single-operator deployment. Its central access shaft seamlessly integrates with leading Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), while its top-mounted 360° camera and obstacle avoidance radar ensure safe, autonomous operation in lakes, rivers, and coastal environments.

Field Operations & System Details

Two operators deploying the APACHE 4 USV on the water.

Image 1: Preparing for Deployment

Close-up view down the central ADCP payload shaft of the APACHE 4.

Image 2: Internal View - Central Payload Shaft for ADCP Integration

Three-quarter front view of the APACHE 4 USV, showing sensors and hull.

Image 3: Sensor Suite and Hull Design (360 Camera, Radar)

Adaptive Navigation Control

Equipped with GNSS + IMU smart positioning. Features adaptive water flow straight-line tracking and hovering technology, ensuring stable positioning even in turbulent waters or when GNSS signals are temporarily obstructed.

Versatile ADCP Integration

The central payload shaft is compatible with industry-standard ADCPs (such as RiverStar, M9, RiverPro, and RiverRay). The USV provides positioning, power, waterproofing, and data transmission for the attached instruments.

Built-in Echosounder

Includes a built-in single-beam echosounder (200 kHz) to verify ADCP bottom-tracking data, compensate for ADCP data unavailability, and provide highly accurate water depth profiles alongside flow velocity measurements.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions (L x W x H) 120 cm x 75 cm x 40 cm (1.2m x 0.75m x 0.4m)
Weight (Unladen) 13 kg (excluding instruments and battery)
Maximum Payload Capacity Up to 35 kg
Draft 12 cm
Maximum Speed 6 m/s
Hull Material High-strength macromolecule polyester carbon fiber (IP67 Waterproof)
Battery Endurance Approx. 8 hours at 1.5 m/s (running on dual hot-swappable battery sets)
Positioning & Navigation Full GNSS + IMU integration
Communication Range 2.4 GHz Remote Control (up to 1 km) & 4G Network (unlimited range where available)
Built-in Echosounder Single beam, 200 kHz (Sounding Range: 0.15 m to 200 m)
Safety & Sensors Millimeter-wave obstacle avoidance radar, 360° omnidirectional camera, auto-return on low battery/signal loss

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