China has commissioned the world’s first unmanned research vessel, Zhu Hai Yun, that can be remotely controlled and can navigate on its own. Equipped with an autonomous navigation system, the ship will carry out marine scientific research and other observation activities.Zhu Hai Yun was launched on Thursday in Zhuhai city in southern China’s Guangdong province. The propulsion system, electronics, positioning systems and other equipment of the world’s first unmanned research ship were developed with China’s domestic resources. With an economic speed of 13 knots, the ship can reach a speed of 18 knots.
What tasks will it perform?
The 88.5 meters long and 14 meters wide ship has a displacement of approximately 2,100 tons. The Zhu Hai Yun can reportedly be used for a variety of ocean exploration missions, including oceanographic surveys, cartography, sampling and patrolling.
Zhu Hai Yun is also equipped with a take-off and landing area for drones. Chen Daik, an academic at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that during the first test, the ship sailed fully autonomously for 12 hours, chose its own route and successfully avoided obstacles.
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