SP-48 USV
A Solar-Powered USV Engineered for Persistent Maritime Data Collection
SeaTrac's common USV platform includes integrated solar generation and battery storage, a reliable electric propulsion system, onboard cameras, Iridium Certus and Starlink antennas for global connectivity, and a single-point lift for simplified launch and recovery. A modular payload architecture supports sensor mounting on, in, and beneath the hull, along with options such as an integrated winch for vertical profiling and a forward tow hook for high-speed towing applications. The same core platform can be quickly reconfigured between nearshore and offshore packages, enabling mission flexibility without redesigning the vessel.
Simple Launch and Recovery
SeaTrac designed its SP-48 USV with ease of launch and recovery in mind, making it a highly practical platform for various missions. Effortlessly deploy it from a trailer for shore-based operations or lifted from a single-point crane for ship-based deployment and retrieval. A remote control provides direct line-of-sight control for precise maneuvering during these critical phases, simplifying the process for operators. This straightforward approach significantly reduces the logistical burden and personnel requirements, enabling quicker and more efficient mission startups and completions.
SP-48 Highlights
Thoughtfully designed, SeaTrac’s USV offers reliability, versatility, and endurance for a variety of marine missions.
Large solar-powered battery
Long endurance missions
Variable keel depths for stability
Rugged hull for tough conditions
Force multiplication
Easy recovery and launch
Profiling winch
Remote connectivity
Relay for subsea or aerial vehicles
We support a wide variety of payloads and sensors for various commercial, defense and scientific applications. Below is a partial list of sensors that can be integrated onto the SP-48 platform. Contact us for more details about supported sensors and information on integrating new sensors.
SP-48 Nearshore USV Configuration
The nearshore configuration features a short keel optimized for easy launch and recovery from small vessels, trailers, or shoreline access points. Designed for coastal and littoral environments, it enables rapid deployment in very shallow or congested waters while maintaining stable performance and full sensor capability.
SP-48 Offshore USV Configuration
Configured with a deep keel, transom wing, and offshore package, the SP-48 is prepared for sustained blue water operations. This setup enhances directional stability, tracking, and seaworthiness in higher sea states and strong currents, supporting reliable, long-duration missions far from shore.
Purpose-Built Profiling Winch
SeaTrac’s custom-built, operationally tested winch routinely supports profiling waters +200 meters deep, enabling applications from hypoxia zone mapping to water-column surveys, even in energetic seas where wave motion would otherwise complicate deployment. This winch remains a product differentiator; while many companies might include Starlink or satellite links in their platforms, few can reliably deploy profiling sondes autonomously with bottom detection and recharge capabilities. In 2025, the company improved its winch to offer an upgraded ability to carry the AML-6 sonde.
Robert Coniglione, Sr. Ocean Enterprise Program Manager, USM Marine Research Center
Options available to buy or lease SP-48 USVs. Also inquire about the SeaTrac team collecting data for your mission.