Alpha Mi Unmanned Survey Boat

Overview

The Alpha Mi is a compact unmanned survey boat designed for single-operator hydrographic surveying in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and other inland waters. Its M-type trimaran hull combines stable navigation with integrated GNSS RTK positioning, single beam echo sounding, and HD video monitoring.

Featuring dual pump-jet propulsion and intelligent vessel control, the Alpha Mi enables survey teams to collect georeferenced water depth data without deploying personnel onboard. The portable design is particularly useful for routine bathymetric surveys, reservoir capacity investigations, and waterway mapping.

Key Features

Compact Trimaran Design

The Alpha Mi features a 900 × 500 × 340 mm M-type trimaran hull made from polymer materials. Its compact dimensions support transportation and deployment by a small survey team.

Integrated Single Beam Echo Sounder

The onboard echo sounder provides a depth measurement range of 0.2–120 m with 1 cm resolution, supporting riverbed mapping and reservoir bathymetric investigations.

Built-In GNSS RTK Positioning

The integrated multi-constellation GNSS receiver supports centimeter-level positioning under suitable RTK correction conditions. Dual GNSS antennas and a three-dimensional electronic compass provide vessel orientation information.

Dual Pump-Jet Propulsion

The vessel uses dual DC pump-jet thrusters with detachable propellers and protection against aquatic vegetation, helping improve maneuverability and field maintenance.

Intelligent Survey Navigation

The integrated vessel control system supports remotely operated surveying and planned navigation routes, helping operators collect depth data efficiently across survey areas.

HD Video Monitoring

A built-in 1080p HD camera allows operators to monitor vessel surroundings during survey missions. Millimeter-wave radar obstacle avoidance is available as an optional configuration.

Removable Battery System

A detachable 29.6 V, 888 Wh battery provides approximately 4–5 hours of operation at a cruising speed of 1.5 m/s. Extended 8–10 hour endurance is available through customized configurations.

Radio and Network Communication

Built-in radio and 4G connectivity provide options for positioning corrections and remote communication. The specified radio control distance is up to 2 km under typical conditions.

Technical Specifications

Model: Alpha Mi
Type: Compact Hydrographic Survey USV
Hull Dimensions: 900 × 500 × 340 mm
Hull Material: Polymer
Hull Design: M-Type Trimaran
Weight: Approximately 16 kg
Maximum Payload: 20 kg
Wind and Wave Resistance: Level 3 Wind / Level 2 Waves
Echo Sounder: Integrated Single Beam
Depth Measurement Range: 0.2–120 m
Depth Accuracy: ±1 cm ± 0.1% of Water Depth
Depth Resolution: 1 cm
Beam Angle: 7.5° ± 0.5°
GNSS: Integrated Multi-Constellation RTK Receiver
RTK Accuracy: Horizontal ±8 mm + 1 ppm; Vertical ±15 mm + 1 ppm
Heading: Dual GNSS Antennas and 3D Electronic Compass
Propulsion: Dual DC Pump-Jet Thrusters
Cruising Speed: 1.5 m/s
Maximum Speed: Up to 6 m/s
Battery: 29.6 V, 888 Wh, Detachable
Operating Endurance: Approximately 4–5 Hours at 1.5 m/s
Video Monitoring: 1080p HD
Obstacle Avoidance: Optional Millimeter-Wave Radar
Communication: Built-In Radio and 4G Network
Radio Control Distance: Up to 2 km Under Typical Conditions

Applications

River and Lake Bathymetric Surveys

Collect georeferenced water depth data for river channel mapping, lakebed investigations, and inland water surveys.

Reservoir Capacity Measurement

Survey underwater terrain to support reservoir storage capacity calculations and sedimentation monitoring.

Waterway and Channel Mapping

Conduct depth measurements for navigation channel investigations, waterway maintenance, and hydraulic engineering projects.

Shallow-Water Surveying

Deploy the compact USV in small or difficult-to-access waterways where conventional manned survey vessels may be impractical.

Dredging and Engineering Surveys

Support pre-dredging and post-dredging depth investigations, underwater earthwork assessments, and related engineering surveys.

Alpha Mi from RTKSurvey.com

RTKSurvey.com supplies the Alpha Mi and other unmanned hydrographic survey boats for international customers. Contact our team for available configurations, compatible accessories, and quotation assistance.