Mary-Louise Hoffman
A team of Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory researchers has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle the research team designed to submerge into or launch from deep waters to perform various missions.
APL said Thursday its force projection sector and research and exploratory development unit collaborated to build a Corrosion Resistant Aerial Covert Unmanned Nautical System prototype.
Lab researchers used additive manufacturing techniques and novel fabrication methods to produce the submersible CRACUNS.
“In response to evolving sponsor challenges, we were inspired to develop a vehicle that could operate both underwater and in the air,” said Jason Stipes, a project manager at APL’s sea control mission area.
The research team also built a composite airframe designed to enable the drone to withstand a saltwater environment and water pressure while under the sea.
APL financed CRACUNSÂ development and testing with internal R&D funds.
