In August 2025, PML Applications supported Dynautics in conducting trials of their prototype Phantom 2 uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), deploying from the RV Plymouth Quest in one of the autonomous trials areas used by Smart Sound Plymouth.
The Phantom 2 UUV is a modular subsea vehicle design that uses Dynautics’ proven autopilot technology to undertake a range of subsea tasks. The main goal of this project for Dynautics was to conduct initial trials of the Phantom 2 in a safe environment to assess system performance.
PML Applications’ experience in conducting trials of autonomous systems, combined with the capabilities of the Plymouth Quest, ensured proficient conduct of the open water trial of the Phantom 2.
Henry Robinson, Dynautics CEO, said
“Quest proved to be an ideal deployment platform for Phantom 2, as a 3 metre UUV. The Quest crew were very professional and helped the operation to run smoothly. All in all, this is a great vessel, great team, who created the perfect environment for the maiden sea trials of Dynautics’ new, modular UUV technology.”
During the trials, Phantom 2 demonstrated excellent command and control capabilities and strong alignment to programmed mission parameters. This UUV can operate at depths of up to 100 metres for other types of missions. Repeated missions demonstrated the operational efficiency of the Phantom 2, validating the modular UUV design and communication systems, as no interim recovery was needed.
Phantom 2 had been tested by Dynautics in simulation models and test tank conditions and has now proven its full capability to function in real-world conditions following the trials conducted in Smart Sound Plymouth. Dynautics will take the results from these trials to their client to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Phantom 2’s capabilities in open water.
Trialling UUVs is a critical step in moving towards using autonomous technology as it offers a cost-effective, low emissions method for activities at sea, such as collecting samples, monitoring the environment, and as part of a defence strategy. Phantom 2 was specifically designed to survey the seabed but is customisable due to its modular design.
PML Applications’ Sam Fawcett, Manager of the Centre of Coastal Technologies, said
“Demonstrating and trialling how uncrewed underwater vehicles perform in open water is an important step in gathering data about the safety of a vehicle and the conditions in which it works best. As we head towards a future where reducing carbon emissions is essential, using autonomous vessels is a very viable option for future sustainability when conducting a variety of activities at sea, from surveying to defence.
With Plymouth at the forefront of marine autonomy in the UK, there’s never been a better time to be out in the real world conducting trials in approved water space.”
PML Applications and Smart Sound Plymouth are based in Plymouth, with access to operational water space for testing unmanned marine systems and deploys with our modern scientific research vessel, the Plymouth Quest.
As part of our services, the Plymouth Quest is available for hire to conduct a variety of trials and scientific experiments, complete with a full crew and scientific staff. PML Applications’ Centre for Coastal Technologies is experienced in conducting autonomous vessel trials in a range of weather conditions, depths and sea states.
Combined with the specialist knowledge of marine autonomy trials at Smart Sound Plymouth, led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory, we offer leading test facilities to our clients. (PML Applications is the commercial arm of the charity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), with all profits reinvested back into PML to support its work on improving ocean health)
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Organisations Involved in the Dynautics’ Phantom 2 Prototype Open Water Trials
Dynautics – Dynautics designs, manufactures, and supplies autopilot, remote control, navigation, communication and power management systems to a range of sectors. Their products range from intelligent marine control systems to fully operational UUVs.
PML Applications – PML Applications is an environmental consultancy, specialising in the marine environment. They help clients to reduce their negative impact on the marine environment and better understand the environment in which they operate. This particular trial was conducted by PML Applications’ Centre for Coastal Technologies, which provides services in areas such as marine autonomy, mCDR, deployment, and sensor testing.
Smart Sound Plymouth – Smart Sound Plymouth is home to the UK’s leading testing facility for marine autonomy, uncrewed systems, and advanced ocean technologies. At their South West location, Smart Sound Plymouth has access to proving grounds for testing marine autonomous vessels. They have worked in defence, offshore industries, and marine science to provide maritime solutions and innovation.
