Contego Viper 160 small modular USV on its stand beside the water
Contego Viper 160 small modular USV moving through the water
Contego Viper 160 modular USV on the rocky shoreline with its equipment frame
Close-up of the Contego Viper 160 hull, logo and equipment frame.
mono-HULL PLATFORM

Viper 160

Remotely Operated / Autonomous Survey and Security USV Platform

Viper RANGE • 110 • 160 • 270 • 460
Top Speed
~20-28 knots
Idle time
Max 160 hours
Dimensions
160 x 42 x 52 cm
Hull Payload Capacity
<10 kg
Hull Material
Carbon Fiber
Dry Weight
~17 kg
Specifications, performance figures, Idle time estimates, payload capacities, operational capabilities and speed estimates may vary depending on payload configuration, propulsion setup, battery configuration, environmental conditions, software settings, mission profile and customer-specific integrations.
Download datasheet

GEOMETRY

Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel geometry and dimensions. Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel geometry and dimensions.

PROPULSION

Single electric hydro-jet drive.

  • Electric single 71mm hydro-jet engine
  • 2 / 3 / 4 hard-anodized impellers
  • 2× independent water-cooling channels for Motor & ESC
EXPLORE HYDRA JET ENGINES

overview

Overview of the Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel and its components. Overview of the Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel and its components.

shallow water launching

Rear view of the Contego Viper 160 modular USV moving across the ocean

Small, compact, lightweight USV platform for rapid deployment and shallow water agility, while efficient power architecture supports day-long operations.
Designed for operation in selected configurations up to Sea State 4, subject to payload, operator, and mission conditions.

Composite Hull & Chassis

100% Carbon-fiber materials.

Our platforms use advanced carbon-fiber composites, ensuring maximum strength while remaining lightweight. Each vessel includes one sealed internal compartment for safety, serviceability, and redundancy.

Our hulls feature a reinforced frame with integrated aluminum components — providing enhanced rigidity and long-term structural durability.

Carbon-fiber hull construction of the Contego Viper 160 USV.
Close-up of a Contego carbon-fiber hull and fittings. Carbon-fiber honeycomb composite panel construction.

SUBMERSIBLE BRACKETS

Rail-based, mission-ready mounting.

The modular structure is designed around a rail-based mounting framework, allowing quick integration of sensors, payloads, and mission-specific equipment without compromising rigidity.

  • Side-Scan & multibeam sonars for high-resolution seabed mapping
  • Real-time imaging for navigation & obstacle detection
  • Depth profiling for bathymetric & hydrographic surveys
  • Water quality probes for measuring water quality
  • Pollution detection modules for identifying oil spills, chemical leaks, or harmful algae
Submersible payload bracket mounted on a Contego Viper 160 USV.

viper 160 in action

Contego Viper 160 modular USV traveling at speed on the water
Contego Viper 160 modular bridge with autonomy and control electronics.

AUTONOMY & CONTROL

Contego Viper 160 modular bridge with autonomy and control electronics.
  • Optional Autonomy: Flight controller/GPS (Pixhawk/Cube, Mission Planner/QGC ready)
  • Optional Telemetry: 900Mhz Telemetry.
  • Optional Modem: Dual-SIM modem options available by Teltonika
  • Optional Onboard computer: Raspberry Pi / Jetson / i5/i7 Mini PC.

control

Navigation, GCS & Control

Radio controller for operating a Contego unmanned surface vessel.

2.4 Ghz Basic Controller

2.4 GHz RC with basic telemetry (range ~1.5 km line of sight).

Handheld ground control tablet for operating a Contego unmanned surface vessel.

HD mobile GCS tablet

Mobile Handheld GCS with camera view & gimbal control including QGC software.

Heavy-duty ground control station and communications equipment for Contego USVs.

Multi-channel Heavy duty GCS

Advanced mobile GCS & Tripods for long range telemetry.

X-Rail System

Mount, move, and reconfigure in minutes.

X-rail side rails with M6 installation holes spaced every 30 mm, supporting:

  • Modular Bridges (20 cm), electronics box + camera dome
  • Antenna brackets (adjustable height/angle)
  • Sonar undercarriage (hull-matched profile)
  • Balancing buoys for stability tuning
  • GPS housing tower (IP-rated routing
Top view of the Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel. Top view of the Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel.

Payload Release

IP-68 Multipurpose Payload Release

Our USVs can support up to 4 payload releases (configurable 2, 3 or 4) from Ground Control station or via remote control. This option requires a modular bridge.

Go to Payload Release

Viper 160 sailing

Contego Viper 160 modular USV operating on the open sea

DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS

Hoisting
Hoisting arrangement for the Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel.

Hoisting

A marine-grade rope sling connected to three reinforced eye bolts provides a balanced central carrying point for convenient one-hand lifting, transport, launch, and recovery of the vessel.

Docking
Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel on docking supports.

Docking

The Viper 160 connects to its docking station, docking alignment is supported by integrated and guide rails for supporting the USV while parking

Slipway

Slipway

A tailored deployment cart supports Viper's stance and hydrodynamic hull shape,
providing secure movement and angled release to the water under full load.

Front Anchor
Front hoisting bracket for the Contego Viper 160 unmanned surface vessel.

Front Anchor

The front anchor and attachment bracket provides a reinforced mounting point at the bow of the Viper 160. The bracket can be used for assisted handling, towing connection, or front-mounted mission equipment, depending on the final configuration.

roll over config

Rollover Configuration & Stability

Our vessels are engineered with a self-righting rollover configuration that ensures maximum reliability and safety in demanding marine conditions. This system combines hull geometry, hatch form, and balance buoys, which are designed so that the platform returns to an upright position after capsizing.

01

Hatch Form Geometry

The hatch is designed with a low-drag, asymmetrical shape that naturally guides the vessel back to its upright orientation. Internal compartments remain sealed and protected, preventing water ingress during rollover events.

02

Balance Buoys

Strategically placed side buoys act as stabilizers, shifting the center of buoyancy This passive balancing system eliminates the need for active mechanisms, reducing complexity and maintenance.

03

Reliable Performance

Automatic self-righting capability increases mission survivability in rough seas. Tested in remotely operated and autonomous operation, minimizing downtime and operational risks. Works seamlessly with modular deck rails and bridges, preserving flexibility for add ons.