Navigating an ocean of data. Delivering a world of possibility.
Saildrone is a US business that designs, manufactures and operates a fleet of the world’s most capable, proven and trusted, uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). Predominantly powered by wind and solar, Saildrone USVs have a minimal carbon footprint, and are equipped with advanced sensors and AI technology to deliver critical data and intelligence from any ocean, at any time of year. Solutions include maritime domain awareness, ocean data and ocean mapping. Saildrone operations and data collection services are encrypted and secure.
Saildrone's patented wing technology was born from 10 years of R&D in pursuit of the land speed record. The company is headquartered in Alameda, CA, and backed by The Schmidt Family Foundation, Social Capital, Capricorn’s Technology Impact Fund, Lux Capital, Exor Seeds, and Horizons Ventures.
Media Releases
NDBC Replaces Weather Buoy with Saildrone USV in National Marine Sanctuary
NOAA's National Data Buoy Center replaced a moored coastal weather buoy in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with a Saildrone Explorer to mitigate impacts caused by mooring material.
September 26, 2023
Read MoreSaildrone and NOAA Secure New Guinness Record for Measuring Hurricane Winds
The 2024 Guinness Book of World Records includes for the first time the “highest wind speed recorded by a USV,” earned during Saildrone and NOAA’s 2021 Atlantic Hurricane mission.
September 12, 2023
Read MoreNew Acoustic Technology Protects Marine Mammals while Enabling Renewable Offshore Energy
Saildrone and RPS are using smart tools to provide long-term monitoring of endangered species over large areas slated for offshore wind development.
September 6, 2023
Read MoreSaildrone Redeploys “Hurricane Sam” Ocean Drone for 2023 Mission
The redeployment of the SD 1045, famous for capturing the first video from inside a major hurricane at sea, marks a significant milestone in hurricane research.
July 17, 2023
Read MoreSaildrone Deploys a Record 12 Ocean Drones to Study Hurricanes
The Saildrone Explorers are one of several tools NOAA is using to improve hurricane forecasting—and keep coastal communities safer.
June 28, 2023
Read MoreWriting About Saildrone
Saildrone (capitalized) refers to the company Saildrone, Inc. and should be capitalized.
The vehicle, saildrone, is written in lower case. Specific saildrones are known by their number, i.e. SD 1020.
Saildrone Explorer, Saildrone Voyager, and Saildrone Surveyor are capitalized.
Saildrones may also be referred to as unmanned/uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), Saildrone USVs, Saildrone vehicles, or ocean drones.
SAILDRONE™️ is a registered trademark of Saildrone, Inc. and should not be used to refer to any other brand of USV.