FLANQ USVs are smart USVs – intelligent, scalable, and highly customisable. Designed for the mission – whatever the mission – they can carry diverse senor and effector payloads and excel in both solo and coordinated, wolf pack deployments.
FLANQ-powered autonomous and remotely controlled underwater vehicles play a critical role in modern defence, enhancing capabilities across surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions – from naval base protection to underwater warfare training.
Transform your situational awareness above and below the water. Optimised for size, weight and power and integrated using FLANQ’s Q-KONTROL backbone, our vehicle-agnostic technologies let you sense threats, decide the outcome and enable the response.
Accurate and timely environmental data is crucial for informed decision-making in maritime operations. FLANQ’s Q-CASTER is a fully automatic, deck-mounted winch system designed for the precise deployment and retrieval of multi-parameter sensors from USVs, including CTD probes. This type of oceanographic data collection provides critical environmental information that can influence naval tactics, mission planning, and the deployment of underwater systems.
Q-CASTER automates the entire sensor deployment and towing process from a USVs minimising operator workload and ensuring consistent, repeatable data collection. The winch system provides precise control over sensor depth placement, allowing for targeted data collection at specific points in the water column. This precision is essential for accurate environmental profiling and repeatable data acquisition.
Q-CASTER combines robust mechanical components with an advanced control Q-SPINE module. The system’s automated functions are designed for ease of use and require minimal operator training. Its modular design ensures that if the gear, drum or motor are damaged in service, or larger drums and different gearing ratios are required, they can be ‘hot-swapped’ on the back deck in a short period of time.
Q-CASTER provides automated and precise deployment and retrieval of multi-parameter sensors for enhanced environmental data acquisition.
Q-CASTER is designed for seamless integration with FLANQ’s Q-SPINE system. This allows for streamlined control of the winch system.
Q-CASTER is built with high-quality materials, including titanium Grade 5, and PA12 plastic, ensuring robust and reliable operation in marine environments.
The modular design of Q-CASTER allows for easy adaptation to different sensor payloads to meet the evolving needs of various naval operations.
Q-CASTER offers operators flexibility in data collection strategies, allowing for real-time adjustments or pre-planned autonomous surveys.
Quick answers to some common questions about this product. Our support team is here to help with any specific questions you may have.
Q-CASTER can accommodate a range of sensors, including but not limited to sound velocity profilers (SVPs) and cameras. Contact us to discuss your specific sensor payload and weight requirements, and we can confirm compatibility.
While Q-CASTER is designed for seamless integration with FLANQ USVs and the Q-SPINE system, we understand the need for broader compatibility. We are open to exploring integration options with USVs from other manufacturers. This would likely require some level of customisation to ensure proper mechanical mounting, power integration, and communication protocols. Contact us to discuss your specific USV platform and potential integration options.
Q-CASTER’s autonomous profiling feature allows for pre-programmed deployment and retrieval of sensors to collect data at specific depths or intervals. This automated process ensures consistent and repeatable data acquisition. The REST API allows for remote control of the winch system through a web server, providing operators with real-time control and monitoring capabilities. This combination of autonomous and remote control offers enhanced operational flexibility.
Pricing and availability for Q-CASTER depend on factors such as configuration options, integration requirements, and order volume. We offer various purchasing and support packages to meet your specific needs. Contact us directly to discuss your requirements and receive a quote.