1. Abstract / Summary
BlackSea Technologies is integrating Doodle Labs Helix radios across multiple Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft platforms to deliver reliable, extended-range command and control in challenging maritime environments. Using ruggedized Swappable Radio Modules developed by UXV Technologies and built around Doodle Labs OEM radios, BlackSea established a unified communications architecture that supports both line-of-sight control and high-bandwidth data transmission. Throughout development, Doodle Labs worked closely with the BlackSea team to accelerate integration and ensure dependable performance across demanding sea conditions.
2. Background
The Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft is a modular unmanned surface vessel designed for distributed maritime operations. GARC platforms are fielded across multiple U.S. Navy programs and support a wide range of mission profiles through containerized payloads and open architecture integration.
3. The Program or Mission Need
Earlier GARC platforms relied on 900 MHz commercial drone controllers that delivered limited range and inconsistent performance. Configuration complexity required a standalone CAN bus controller, forcing the software team to maintain parallel communication pathways. Operator interfaces also provided limited situational awareness and feedback during vessel operations.
BlackSea required a more capable and unified communications solution that could extend operational range, improve reliability, and simplify overall system architecture without increasing integration burden.
4. The Evaluation Landscape
Initial research focused on IP-based radios designed for command and control datalinks. For the second-generation GARC platform, BlackSea selected the UXV SRoC controller, which supports radios from multiple manufacturers.
The evaluation primarily compared solutions from Microhard, Domo Tactical, and Doodle Labs to determine the best fit for maritime operations, program timelines, and long-term
5. Selection Criteria
The communications system needed to deliver meaningful improvements in range, reliability, and operational flexibility compared to previous controllers. Key priorities included rapid availability, ruggedization for maritime environments, and consistent high performance.
Critical technical requirements included frequency hopping capability and support for meshing multiple vessels within a shared network architecture.
6. Why the Black Sea Chose Doodle Labs
The Doodle Labs RM1700 was initially selected for its competitive pricing and immediate availability. As the program matured, BlackSea transitioned to the Helix radio to take advantage of expanded frequency coverage and Sense technology.
BlackSea also adopted the Swappable Radio Module form factor instead of wearable radio options to eliminate USB-C connectors, which present corrosion risks in maritime environments due to their small pin geometry.
7. Solution Overview
The integrated system uses UXV Helix SRMs to leverage wide frequency coverage and flexible configuration options. Final frequency selection and network configuration are tailored to specific mission requirements, allowing BlackSea to adapt communications performance across different operational scenarios and deployments.
8. Program or Mission Win
The integration of Doodle Labs radios enabled extended-range command and control while adding high-quality real-time video feedback. BlackSea developed a many-to-many mesh network architecture that allows operators to seamlessly transfer control of vessels between multiple command stations.
This approach delivers significantly greater operational flexibility than traditional one-to-one or one-to-many control schemes.
9. Platform or System Highlights
Transitioning to Doodle Labs hardware delivered the bandwidth and reliability required for responsive remote control and real-time video transmission. Within operational range, system performance has remained stable and consistent in maritime environments, supporting coordinated operations across multiple vessels and operator stations.
10. Performance Validation
Field testing demonstrated reliable mesh networking and coordinated control of multiple GARC platforms operating within a shared fleet network. The system supported synchronized vessel operations and maintained stable performance throughout maritime testing.
11. Strategic Impact
By integrating Doodle Labs radios, BlackSea Technologies established a custom, scalable command-and-control ecosystem. Operators can reliably control, monitor, and configure GARC platforms with improved efficiency and operational flexibility, supporting a broad range of U.S. Navy mission profiles.
