Manufacturing and Testing of an Egyptian Unmanned Surveying Vehicle (HORUS-USV) For Bathymetric Survey

Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) has become a valuable unit in hydrography. This research presents the design, manufacturing, and performance evaluation of HORUS, the first Egyptian-built Unmanned Survey Vehicle (USV) optimized for hydrographic surveys in shallow, confined, and hazardous waters. Unlike traditional small survey boats, HORUS combines a compact catamaran hull (1.4 m × 1.3 m, draft 0.35 m) with a lightweight fiberglass hull, enabling a payload capacity of 150 kg in addition to enhanced stability for precise operation. The integrated systems include Differential GNSS, a single-beam echo sounder (50–200 kHz), dual-thruster propulsion, onboard microcontrollers, environmental sensors, and a real-time wireless communication link up to 586 m. HOURS design was guided by hydrodynamic force calculations, buoyancy and weight optimization, and drag/thrust analysis to determine maximum speed and propulsion efficiency. Electrical and communication subsystems were engineered for operational endurance exceeding three hours under full load. A modular “plug-and-play” architecture allows flexible integration of additional hydrographic instruments such as multibeam sonar or side-scan systems. Performance was validated through controlled pool trials and preliminary sea trials. Pool tests assessed deployment, maneuverability, buoyancy, communication, and bathymetric accuracy. Depth measurements met IHO S-44 (Edition 6.2, 2024) Matrix “Bc12, Bd8” standards, with total vertical uncertainty within ±0.15 m at 4.08 m depth. Operational advantages over conventional vessels include rapid mobilization (10 min vs. 40 min), reduced manpower, enhanced manoeuvrability, and safer access to restricted waters. Therefore, HORUS is a cost-effective, versatile national solution for high-precision hydrographic surveys. Future developments will target extended communication range, AI-assisted navigation, and renewable power integration, advancing autonomous surveying capabilities and beyond.