ToughSonic® Ultrasonic Sensors Guide Oracle Boat
Oracle Team USA won the 2013 America’s Cup race with one of the most efficient sailing vessel ever built, which included Senix ToughSonic® sensors.
Oracle Team USA’s AC72-class yacht, the USA-17, is a 100’ long, 90’ wide, and 223’ tall carbon fiber marvel capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots (57 mph). The yacht “flies” off the water on hydrofoils that lift the entire hull clear of the waves to reduce drag.
Sailing this engineering masterpiece required more than 300 sensors and sophisticated computer control technology. More than 3,000 data variables are captured per second and promptly displayed on personal digital assistants (PDAs) strapped to sailor’s arms, on tablets mounted around the vessel, and on cockpit displays.
How Ultrasonic Technology Measures Hydrofoiling Distance
One of the most important navigational elements to control is the foiling process. It starts with ToughSonic 30 ultrasonic sensors mounted on each outboard hull to measure its distance from the ocean’s surface—sort of a liquid level measurement in reverse.
Ultrasonic sensor data is combined with data from accelerometers and other sensors to optimize ride height and speed. Understanding exactly where the vessel is relative to the surface at all times is also essential for safe and effective handling.
“We drive the boat based on sensor data," said Jose Luis Vela, Oracle Team USA Data Analyst and Instrumentation Engineer. "The foiling requires real-time information that is fast and completely accurate. We selected Senix ultrasonic sensors after extensive testing in a variety of high-speed marine conditions.”
Importance of Tough Smart Sensors
In addition to sensor accuracy and processing speed, reliability was integral to Oracle Team USA's choice of ultrasonic sensor. A single malfunction of a critical on-board sensor can not only cost the team a race; it can create a serious safety risk. Thus, Senix ultrasonic sensors were selected for their rugged construction and reputation for durability.
Vela noted, “The ToughSonic sensors work like new even after three years of training races in harsh ocean conditions. They have worked perfectly since the very first day. We have never had to perform maintenance or even touch them."
The USA-17 vessel has since been retired and is now displayed in the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia. Its innovative technology and implementation of ultrasonic sensors has paved the path for future hydrofoil innovation, in which ToughSonics continue to play a key role.
Senix is a member and proud sponsor of the International Hydrofoil Society.
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