Bluefin awarded contract to develop mine and IED neutralization variant of HAUV
Bluefin Robotics, a leader in the design and manufacturing of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), was awarded a contract to develop a robotic ship hull mine and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) identification and neutralization capability for use in Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal. A manipulator arm will be integrated onto the HAUV, a hovering AUV designed specifically for ship hull inspection. HAUN-N is the name of the new variant of the HAUV.
"We are looking forward to the opportunity to leverage the work done on the HAUV and under our other underwater systems programs for this important US Navy requirement," said David. P. Kelly, President and CEO of Bluefin Robotics.
The current practice for hull mine/IED identification and neutralization involves sending divers to scan the hull for targets and, when found, to mark them and neutralize them manually. The Bluefin Team-consisting of Bluefin Robotics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Orca Maritime of San Diego, California-proposes to accomplish the task with an HAUV-N equipped with a high-precision manipulator arm and a video camera. The AUV will be capable of maintaining station at the target while a remote operator neutralizes the device, thereby keeping divers out of harm's way and completing the task more expeditiously.
Development of HAUV began in 2002 as an Office of Naval Research (ONR) program to automate hull searches. HAUV's development has undergone a series of developmental steps, culminating with the successful demonstration of 100% non-complex area coverage in 2008. In 2011, Bluefin was awarded a $30 million contract modification exercising the production option for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Hull Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Localization System (HULS).
The Office of Naval Research is the contracting office for the Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal program.
Source: Bluefin
Follow Shephard News on Twitter
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
