# Design, Integration and Sea Trials of 3D Printed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Cooperative Missions

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2102.10709 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.10709/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 21 Feb 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [LLM-VLM Fusion Framework for Autonomous Maritime Port Inspection using a Heterogeneous UAV-USV System](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.13096/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

In recent years, Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) have been extensively deployed for maritime applications. However, USV has a limited detection range with sensor installed at the same elevation with the targets. In this research, we propose a cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - Unmanned Surface Vehicle (UAV-USV) platform to improve the detection range of USV. A floatable and waterproof UAV is designed and 3D printed, which allows it to land on the sea. A catamaran USV and landing platform are also developed. To land UAV on the USV precisely in various lighting conditions, IR beacon detector and IR beacon are implemented on the UAV and USV, respectively. Finally, a two-phase UAV precise landing method, USV control algorithm and USV path following algorithm are proposed and tested.