Pioneering the future of coastal monitoring

Spanning 44 thousand kilometers, the coastline of Greenland is roughly the same length as the circumference of planet Earth. Asking the question of how to make a cost-efficient solution to monitor the vast length of the coastline, capable of performing multiple tasks, the design team at Manyone led by Jens Martin Skibsted settled on revitalizing the ekranoplan, a ground effect vehicle (GEV) known from the Soviet era military design exploration. The ekranoplan was chosen due its significant comparative advantage over a plane in terms of energy use.

Beyond efficiency, the choice of designing a modern day GEV came down to the area of operation, scalability, and functionality. Almost twice as efficient in energy usage compared to airplanes, and adaptable to the conditions off the coast of Greenland, the AquaGlider combines ground effect principles and solar technology. Its efficient energy use permits a smaller battery, while solar panels allow it to recharge when needed anywhere on the sea. It will be fitted with autonomous drone technology, allowing it to function, collect, and send data continuously. Additionally, the customizable nature of the designs allows each unit to be fitted specifically for different purposes.

The AquaGlider seamlessly integrates aerial and maritime capabilities for efficient coastal operations. It is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, AI-driven autonomy, and solar-powered propulsion. Unlike traditional options, it can operate without human intervention, apart from occasional maintenance, optimizing both cost and efficiency.

Designed for a wide range of coastal monitoring applications, the AquaGlider excels in environmental monitoring, search-and-rescue missions, and security threat detection. Compared to satellites, helicopters and ships – which are either lacking precision, too costly or manpower-dependent, the AquaGlider provides rapid, scalable, persistent surveillance without operational fatigue. Its ability to function autonomously in dynamic environments makes it a reliable solution for protecting vulnerable coastlines and monitoring glacial activity. It can be deployed as a single unit, or in fleets, enabling countries to safeguard their shores extensively, efficiently, and sustainably.