Tempest

Hybrid Aerial-Underwater Vehicle [HAUV] that combines aerial speed with underwater stealth into one runway-independent platform.

Overview

Aerial drones are fast but easy to spot. Undersea drones are hard to find but slow to get on station. Today that’s two vehicles, two operators, two logistics tails. Tempest is one.

Capabilities

Air-to-water transition
One vehicle for both the air and undersea legs of a mission.
Fixed-wing efficiency
More range and longer underwater loiter than hover-based designs.
Pressure-vessel core
Electronics and payload stay dry and protected at depth.
Modular payloads
One airframe, re-tasked for different missions by swapping payloads.
GPS-denied autonomy
Stays on course when GPS is jammed or unavailable, including underwater.
VTOL launch and recovery
Operates from tight spaces, with no runway, launcher, or recovery net.

Program status

We built the first Tempest prototype with a $14,000 grant in a 100 sq. ft. lab. The latest, improved design is currently undergoing testing.

TRL 4Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment.

Summary

Vehicle type: Hybrid aerial–underwater drone
Configuration: Fixed-wing
Core structure: Resilient pressure vessel
Operating domains: Air and subsurface, with transition in both directions
Navigation: Autonomous in air and water; GPS-denied capable
Payload: Modular, mission-configurable
Cost profile: Attritable
Compliance: Fully NDAA compliant
Technology readiness: TRL 4
Prototype variants: 3D-printed (in test); machined (in design)
Group, range, endurance, depth, speed: Not published. Contact us for further information.