Geodesy / Multi-mission USV platform for hydrographic surveys and monitoring
One platform. Unlimited configurations. Accurate data everywhere.
The HydroBoat 1200 is Novatest’s multi-sensor USV platform for complex hydrographic surveys and environmental monitoring. Its integrated 240 mm moon pool accepts ADCP, side-scan sonar, dual-frequency sounder and multi-parameter probes — all in a 25 kg vessel, operational in under 5 minutes.
Hydrographic survey professionals know that the hardest challenges are not measurement complexity but logistics: carrying multiple specialised instruments on different vessels, coordinating them, synchronising data. HydroBoat 1200 solves this at the root with a single modular platform designed to host any combination of sensors.
The 1185 mm carbon-fibre hull, shaped through CFD simulation, houses a central 240 mm moon pool — a full-depth opening for mounting ADCP, side-scan sonar, multi-parameter probes or dual-frequency sounders, with transparent data transmission to the Android handheld controller.
HydroBoat 1200’s new INS combination algorithm continuously measures velocity and orientation changes, maintaining accurate positioning under bridges, in river canyons or any environment with reduced satellite coverage. Combined with adaptive flow control, the system follows planned survey lines with centimetre accuracy even in the presence of current and wind.
Which ADCP instruments are compatible with the HydroBoat 1200 moon pool? The 240 mm moon pool is compatible with SonTek RiverPro 1200, Teledyne RDI StreamPro and SonTek M9. The package includes three dedicated foam sleeves. Other ADCPs require dimensional compatibility verification.
How does HydroBoat 1200 differ from HydroBoat 990? HydroBoat 990 is optimised for single-beam bathymetric surveys with an integrated echo sounder. HydroBoat 1200 is a multi-mission platform with a moon pool for additional sensors, payload up to 25 kg and a larger hull (1185 mm vs 1035 mm).
Can bathymetry and ADCP be acquired simultaneously? Yes. The integrated echo sounder and moon pool-mounted ADCP operate simultaneously, with data synchronised via GPS in the SLHydro software.
What is the autonomy with an ADCP installed? With ADCP payload, endurance is slightly reduced from the standard 4.5 h. Typical real-world performance is 3.5–4 h per battery at 1.5 m/s.
Can HydroBoat 1200 monitor water quality? Yes, via a multi-parameter probe installed in the moon pool. Monitored parameters include turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and temperature.
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 1185 × 593 × 397 mm |
| Weight (excl. batteries) | 25 kg |
| Max payload | 25 kg |
| Material | Carbon fibre, rubber bumper |
| Weather resistance | Wind force 3 / Wave force 2 |
| Waterproofing | IP67 |
| Moon pool | 240 mm diameter |
| Thrusters | 2 × brushless waterjet (no rudder) |
| Maximum speed | 6 m/s |
| Endurance (1 battery) | 4.5 h at 1.5 m/s |
| Batteries included | 2 × 28.8 V / 34.3 Ah |
The 240 mm moon pool is sized to accommodate major commercial ADCP instruments (SonTek RiverPro, TRDI StreamPro, M9) with the dedicated foam sleeves included in the package, ensuring immediate compatibility with existing customer hardware.
| Operating system | Android |
| Software | SLHydro USV |
| Radio range | 1.3 km (2.4 GHz) |
| Extended range | Unlimited via 4G |
| Camera | 360° omnidirectional PTZ video |
| Anti-collision sensor | Millimetre-wave radar, 10–30 m |
| Battery safety | Charge display, thermal/over-current/short-circuit protection |
| Safety functions | Auto-return, shallow water reverse, obstacle avoidance |
The millimetre-wave radar system is more robust than ultrasonic sensors in fog, rain and water spray — typical conditions in the riverine and port environments where HydroBoat 1200 is most frequently deployed.
| Constellations | GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo, L-Band |
| RTK accuracy (H) | ±8 mm + 1 ppm RMS |
| RTK accuracy (V) | ±15 mm + 1 ppm RMS |
| Heading accuracy | 0.2° @ 1 m baseline |
| INS accuracy | 2.1°/h, < 1 m/20 s |
| Update rate | 200 Hz |
| Parameter | Single freq. (std) | Dual freq. (opt.) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 200 kHz | 200 / 24 kHz |
| Beam angle | 6.9° ± 2° | 6.9° / 34.1° ± 3° |
| Depth range | 0.2 – 200 m | 0.2–200 / 0.8–600 m |
| Accuracy | ±1 cm + 0.1%h | ±1 cm / ±10 cm + 0.1%h |
The optional dual-frequency configuration (24 kHz) extends the depth range to 600 m and increases sediment penetration, covering very deep water surveys in large alpine lakes and hydroelectric reservoirs.
The 240 mm moon pool is a standardised interface compatible with the leading hydrographic and environmental sensors:
| Sensor | Application | Compatibility notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADCP (SonTek, TRDI, M9) | River current velocity and discharge | Foam sleeves for RP1200, RDI, M9 included |
| Side-scan sonar | Seabed imaging and submerged object detection | Data pass-through via moon pool cabling |
| Dual-frequency sounder | Deep water bathymetry + sediment profiling | 200/24 kHz, range up to 600 m |
| Multi-parameter probe | Turbidity, DO, pH, conductivity, temperature | Ideal for continuous environmental monitoring |
| 1 × | HydroBoat 1200 | With integrated single-beam echo sounder |
| 1 × | 2.4 GHz antenna | RC-NJ-2425-417 mm |
| 1 × | 4G antenna | LTE-NJ-0827-320 mm |
| 1 × | UHF antenna | UHF-460-TNC-300 mm |
| 2 × | Battery chargers | 100–240 V, European plug |
| 2 × | Batteries | 28.8 V / 34.3 Ah with transport cases |
| 1 × | Android controller box | With Type-C charger and shoulder strap |
| 2 × | Propeller protection grids | Metal, anti-vegetation |
| 1 × | ADCP fastener pack | M screws 20/30/65 mm + nuts |
| 3 × | ADCP foam sleeves | For RP1200, RDI and M9 |
| 1 × | Tool kit | Pliers, hex keys M1.5–M10, forceps |
| 1 × | Transport case | Hard-shell, 140 × 72 × 72 cm |
| 1 × | SLHydro USV software | Pre-installed in Android controller |
| 1 × | SLHydro Sounder software | For Windows, download via Partner Center |
River discharge measurement is critical for water resource management, flood forecasting and minimum ecological flow verification. HydroBoat 1200 with integrated ADCP performs these measurements safely, rapidly and with full data traceability:
Fill out the form with your details and get in touch with us. One of our consultants will be at your disposal to evaluate your needs with you.
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Novatest srl
Via Albertini, 36/F8
Gross Ancona
60131 Ancona (AN) - IT
