Advancing Unmanned Surface Vehicle Technology for Global Rescue and Defense

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Green Valley, Arizona, Hydronalix has emerged as a leader in the development of advanced unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). The company’s innovative technologies serve a diverse range of applications, including emergency response, defense, law enforcement, and scientific research. With a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge materials and design, Hydronalix continues to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of unmanned systems worldwide.

Company Overview and Global Reach

Hydronalix specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of high-performance unmanned systems. The company’s operations encompass advanced research and development, prototyping, testing, evaluation, production, customer training, and service. With a workforce that has grown from 30 to 50 employees since 2021, Hydronalix has expanded its manufacturing capacity in Tucson, Arizona, and plans to open a service facility on the island of Crete to better serve international clients.

Hydronalix’s products are utilized in over 50 countries, with sales in more than 30 nations. The company’s global presence is supported by a network of distributors across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

EMILY: Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard

One of Hydronalix’s flagship products is EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard), a remote-controlled USV designed for water rescue operations. Weighing 26 pounds and capable of speeds up to 23 mph, EMILY can be rapidly deployed to assist individuals in distress in various aquatic environments.

EMILY is available in several specialized configurations:

• Beach EMILY: Designed for ocean rescue, featuring self-righting technology to remain upright in waves.
• Swiftwater EMILY: Built for rapid river rescues, equipped with a lifejacket, helmet, and two-way waterproof marine radio.
• Man Overboard EMILY (MOBE): Intended for deployment from vessels to rescue individuals who have fallen overboard.
• Police EMILY: Tailored for law enforcement applications, providing rapid response capabilities in aquatic environments.
• Tactical Sonar EMILY: Equipped with side-scan and downward imaging sonar for search and recovery missions, featuring a run time of up to 6 hours at 2 mph with dual battery packs.

EMILY’s robust design includes a Kevlar-reinforced composite hull, easy-grip handles, and an eight-foot perimeter grab rope, ensuring durability and ease of use in challenging conditions.

Defense and Research Collaborations

Hydronalix has established itself as a trusted partner for various defense and research agencies. The company has secured contracts with the U.S. Navy, including a $9.1 million agreement to develop micro-unmanned surface and aerial vehicles equipped with sensor payloads for surveillance and explosive detection.

Additionally, Hydronalix has engaged in research and development projects with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Domestic Preparedness Support Initiative (DPSI), focusing on advanced small and micro-sized unmanned surface vehicles.

The company’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through its participation in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Notably, Hydronalix received funding to develop the “Ariel” project, a low-cost, self-propelled rescue can designed for rapid, on-demand manufacturing to enhance domestic life-saving equipment capabilities.

Technological Advancements and Product Diversification

Beyond EMILY, Hydronalix offers a range of unmanned systems tailored to various applications:

• Reckless Platforms: Modular heavy-payload USVs with a 500-pound capacity, suitable for diverse missions.
• Tactical AMY: A general-purpose USV with optional sonar imaging capabilities.
• Ariel Platforms: Versatile and cost-effective small USVs designed for various operational needs.
• Crow sUAS: A small unmanned aerial vehicle capable of operating in extreme conditions, including rain and water landings, and delivering payloads such as water or medication to remote areas.

Hydronalix’s products are designed and developed entirely in-house, ensuring superior quality control and integration of advanced technologies. The company’s expertise encompasses naval architecture, hydrodynamic design, electronic circuit fabrication, sensor integration, and composite hull manufacturing.

Export Strategy and Global Expansion

To support its international growth, Hydronalix developed an export strategy with assistance from the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Arizona MEP) and the Arizona State Trade Expansion Program (AZSTEP). By creating versions of its products that are classified as EAR 99 under the Export Administration Regulations, Hydronalix has been able to expand its global customer base without the need for extensive export licensing.

The company’s proactive approach to international trade has facilitated participation in global trade shows and the establishment of a service facility in Crete, enhancing its ability to serve clients across Europe and beyond.

Recognition and Impact

Hydronalix’s innovative contributions have garnered significant recognition:

• Popular Mechanics: Grand Invention of the Year.
• Time Magazine: Ranked #7 in the Top 50 Inventions of the Year.
• 2015 Tibbets SBIR/STTR White House SBA Award: Acknowledging excellence in innovation and commercialization.
• Arizona Innovation Award: Celebrating technological advancements within the state.
• American Society of Civil Engineers: Included EMILY in the list of “2021 Infrastructure Gamechangers”.

Hydronalix’s technologies have been instrumental in various real-world scenarios, including disaster response efforts following Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, where EMILY units assisted in delivering medicine and supplies to affected areas.

Conclusion

Hydronalix stands at the forefront of unmanned system innovation, delivering versatile and reliable solutions for a multitude of applications. Through continuous research, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, the company continues to enhance the capabilities of emergency responders, defense forces, and scientific communities worldwide.