VideoRay awarded $92 million for MK20 Mission Defender USV development
The most recent announcement follows other announcements last year. (Photo: VideoRay)
The VideoRay Mission Specialist Defender underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is designed to handle unexploded munitions and has seven thrusters to allow a high standard of manoeuvrability.
The US Navy (USN) has awarded VideoRay an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for its MK20 Mission Specialist Defender ROV platform in support of the service’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Underwater Response Vehicle programme.
Described as Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) Production, the deal is worth US$92 million and provides for hardware, software, repairs, training, technical assist visits, and ancillary components. This will support the continuous production, sustainment, and development of the platform.
In May last year, the company received a $16.1 million order for Mission Specialist Defender ROVs and related components for the MESR. This brought total USN procurement of the system to $49 million since the announcement of a Production-Other Transaction Agreement (P-OTA).
Under the MESR Programme, the USN plans to upgrade the baseline vehicle with incremental updates to sensors, autonomy, tools and manipulators in order to provide enhanced capability to the EOD operator, further increasing standoff and decreasing risk.
The platform weighs 17.2 kg and has a control unit of similar weight. It measures 71.12cm long, 39.37cm wide and 23.8cm high and can operate to a depth of 1,000m.
The platform has four vectored horizontal thrusters, forward, rear and one on each side, and three vertical thrusters.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![FDI frigate Amiral Ronarc’h begins sea trials]()
FDI frigate Amiral Ronarc’h begins sea trials
The first in a new class of multipurpose frigate begins its real-sea testing two years after launch.
-
![Russia launches final Project 636.3 submarine for Pacific fleet]()
Russia launches final Project 636.3 submarine for Pacific fleet
The Yakutsk, built by Admiralty Shipyards, is intended for service in the far east of the Russian Federation.
-
![Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics]()
Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics
There are scheduled to be 51 Virginia-class submarines in the US fleet by the early 2030s.
-
![Steel cutting begins on third Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate in UK]()
Steel cutting begins on third Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate in UK
HMS Formidable has begun steel cutting just 20 months after its predecessor vessel, HMS Active.
-
![HII launches new San Antonio-class vessel]()
HII launches new San Antonio-class vessel
The Harrisburg (LPD 30) will be the 14th vessel in the San Antonio-class.
-
![Clock ticks for the US Navy to present a recovery plan for faulty welds in its vessels]()
Clock ticks for the US Navy to present a recovery plan for faulty welds in its vessels
The branch should submit the rework plan to the House of Representatives by 11 October.
