Caponnetto-Hueber took part in the feasibility study and the preliminary design of a highly modular unmanned surface vehicle (USV). The team worked on aerodynamic and hydrodynamic optimization, as well as on the development of technical solutions aimed at ensuring effective automatic control.
The feasibility study focused on defining the architecture and mission envelope of a fully energy-autonomous Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) intended for medium- and long-duration ocean operations. The primary challenge was to meet endurance, reliability, and control requirements while integrating multiple energy harvesting sources—rigid sails, solar capture, and potential hydro-generation—under highly variable environmental conditions. The system also needed to ensure structural robustness, operational safety, and seamless interoperability with both submerged and surface autonomous assets.
The design and evaluation process combined CFD-based aero-hydro performance modelling, parametric structural studies, and VPP simulations to optimise geometry, stability, energy balance, and propulsion interaction. Multiple configurations were assessed to quantify trade-offs between thrust efficiency, energy harvesting capability, seakeeping robustness, and automatic control feasibility. Surrogate modelling and iterative sensitivity analyses supported early-stage feasibility decisions while ensuring that the preliminary design remained compatible with scalable construction, modular payload integration, and autonomous navigation control architectures.
The study delivered a validated preliminary design framework capable of progressing toward detailed prototyping and operational testing under representative environmental scenarios. The results demonstrate that a multi-source energy harvesting strategy—integrated and optimised through high-fidelity numerical tools—can achieve endurance and autonomy targets suitable for surveillance, monitoring, and research missions. The methodology provides a replicable reference for future autonomous USV development, enabling reduced operational dependency on conventional power and contributing to the broader transition toward sustainable, low-impact marine robotic systems.
30% more efficient sport yacht developed with Bluegame / Sanlorenzo.
Simulation for optimization and validation of WASP ships with different methods.
Preliminary design of a highly modular unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
During the 33rd America’s Cup cycle, Mario Caponnetto contributed to hydrodynamic assessment workstreams aligned with the BMW Oracle wing-sail platform, the configuration that ultimately won the Match. This milestone marked the shift toward aero-hydrodynamic integration in Cup design culture.
BMW Oracle Racing
America’s Cup / Aero-Hydro Integration / Performance Engineering
In 2021, Caponnetto Hueber led the CFD, foil design, and hydrodynamic engineering for the AC75 of Luna Rossa Challenge, the eventual Prada Cup winner. We deployed multiscale CFD and aero-hydro coupling to ensure optimum lift and control. Rapid iteration delivered performance gains under tight competition timelines.
Luna Rossa Challenge
Racing Concept / CFD / Foil Design