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Uncrewed
surface
vessels
DriX series
Exail is a leading developer of uncrewed surface technologies for the maritime industry.
These solutions ensure a smooth transition towards remotely supervised maritime operations, making them efficient and successful. Exail's autonomous ecosystem offers a range of certified unmanned surface vehicles, launch and recovery systems, towed vehicles and custom payload gondola adaptations.
A complete range of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) covering all operational needs
 DriX H-8
|  Drix H-9
|  DriX O-16
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Length | 7.71m | 9 m
| 15.75 m
|
Displacement | 1.6 t
| 2.1 t
| 10.5t |
Endurance* | < 10 days | < 20 days | < 30 days |
Speed | < 14 kts | < 13 kts | < 16 kts |
Fuel capacity | 250 L | 550 L | 2300 L (Dual hybrid propulsion) |
Range | 1,000 nm | 2,000 nm | 3,500 nm |
Towing / Deployment | ROTV towing capabilities | ROTV towing capabilities | ROTVs, Inspection Class ROVs, |
Station keeping | Hovering | Hovering | Dynamic Positioning |
MBES capacity | 3,000 m depth | 3,000 m depth | Full ocean depth |
Transportation | 1x 40' Cube Container | 1x 40' Cube Container | 2x 40' Cube Container |
Other | Launch & Recovery system | Customizable stern section for | |
| Learn more | Get quote | Learn More |
Why choose DriX?
Cost saving and operational efficiency
By requiring fewer operational resources than manned vessels, Exail USVs offer significant cost savings (from reduced labor costs, reduced fuel consumption, reduced maintenance requirements, and increased mission efficiency through reduced weather standby and rework).
Cost saving and operational efficiency
Improve data quality and accuracy
DriXs excel in seakeeping, handle high seas (>SS5) and cross currents, and feature advanced sensors with reliable communication for precise data collection and real-time transmission. Located in a low-noise environment, the payloads deliver best-in-class data quality, providing operators with reliable information for decision-making and analysis in various maritime applications.
Improve data quality and accuracy
Increased mission versatility
The USVs feature a modular design, enabling integration of various payloads, sensors, and assets enabling flexibility and efficient performance across missions like science, exploration, and subsea inspection.
Increased mission versatility
Reduced environmental impact
DriX USVs cut fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, achieving a 95% smaller carbon footprint. Along with reduced in-water noise emissions, they contribute to promoting more sustainable maritime operations.
Reduced environmental impact
Sea-proven multi vehicle collaboration
Used as a surface communication and positioning gateway for subsea operations, DriX USVs have a proven track record in supporting multi-vehicle collaborative operations. They can also be used to track AUVs/ROVs, recover QA/QC data, recalibrate navigation of subsea assets, or send plans via satcom.
Sea-proven multi vehicle collaboration
Operating every step of the way
The DriX USVs can be operated in remote control mode or in supervised autonomous mode. In the latter, the USVs perform their missions independently while the pilot supervises the operations, either within or beyond visual range (Over The Horizon).
Robust communication means supporting OTH operations
Based on a multi-channel redundant communication system, DriX USVs can support both Line Of Sight (LOS) and Over The Horizon (OTH) operations. This communication system includes:
- 4G/5G
- Kongsberg Broadband Radio
- Silvus Network Radio
- WIFI
- Starlink Satellite
In full OTH mode, Exail USVs are able to select the best communication mode based on the environment, while intelligently managing bandwidth usage to ensure critical data priorities.
The OTH monitoring can be done from any location on the planet, providing there is a high internet bandwidth to connect to the DriX USV(s) on a dedicated cloud and via a secured encrypted link. From Exail’s own control center, we are able to monitor, in real-time, our USV(s):
- Status
- Telemetry & Power Supply Management
- HMI features (including camera video streams, survey line plan…)
- Survey computer with all key information (including quality control)
DriX web-based intuitive HMI enables efficient remote operations
A user friendly HMI for efficient operations
Exail USVs are equipped with a user-friendly HMI (Human-Machine Interface) which allows the operator to plan and control the unmanned platforms and their parameters. The DriX HMI is highly intuitive and features a graphical interface that allows real-time monitoring of various parameters.
- Status
- Mission planning and progress
- Sensors configuration
- Alerts management
Operators can easily understand USV status and make informed decisions during mission execution.
Autonomous navigation at sea
CortiX Autononmy
CortiX is the Exail autonomy solution to enable a high level of autonomy on maritime surface platforms. CortiX was initially deployed on the Drix H-8 and is now a generic solution that can be deployed on other DriX and vessels. It is now a field proven solution with more than 100,000 hours at sea whether for Line of Sight or Other The Horizon operations. CortiX is an open platform and Exail provides various level of API for 3rd party software interface and or client own autonomy developments.
Advanced obstacle detection & avoidance for maximum safety
DriX USVs feature CortiX advanced Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) that ensures safe navigation in complex maritime environments. The system uses a combination of advanced sensors, including video and IR cameras, LiDAR, and radar, along with sophisticated software algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles in real-time. CortiX OAS is the first solution on the market combining surface and underwater obstacles management. This allows for safe operations in dynamic maritime environments.
Efficient launch & recovery
- Launch and Recovery from a mother vessel : Using a special Launch and Recovery System (LARS), the DriX H-8 USV can be launched from a mother ship. be deployed from a davit, a crane, or an A-frame. Automatic docking of the USV without human intervention is possible with the DriX H-8 LARS.
- Direct launch from shore or dock: DriX USVs can be launched from shore or a dock using a crane or other lifting equipment. For operations in coastal areas or from land-based facilities, this method is suitable.
- Custom Launch and Recovery Systems development: Specific studies of a mother vessel are available to develop customized launch and recovery solutions that are tailored to the specific operational needs of the customer.
DriX H-8 being deployed from NOAA’s Thomas Jefferson hydrographic survey vessel
