What's next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
Acoustic Device Countermeasure contract for Bluefin Robotics
Bluefin Robotics, a leader in the design and manufacturing of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), is being awarded a subcontract from Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems, Inc., the world leader in expendable acoustic countermeasures for submarines and surface ships. Bluefin will support Ultra in the development, design, fabrication, integration, and testing of the acoustic device countermeasure (ADC) MK 5 with a particular responsibility of providing the mobility subsystem. The ADC will be an acoustic torpedo countermeasure with advanced features that can be employed either as a static or mobile device. It will replace the legacy MK 2 and MK 3 torpedo countermeasures and improve the defense of Navy submarines against acoustic homing torpedoes.
"Bluefin's outstanding AUV track record will contribute greatly to our team's ability to provide a system that addresses the Navy's torpedo countermeasure needs," said Mr. David Howard, Vice President Business Development of Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems Inc. "We look forward to integrating Bluefin's extensive subsea navigation and control development capability into our countermeasure development team to deliver an improved critical capability for the US Navy."
The ADC MK 5 program marks an expansion of the Bluefin product line which currently includes five different AUV models. The company will draw from already proven technology used in their larger AUVs to develop the 3-inch diameter, low-cost, expendable device. Having moved into a new 55,000-square-foot facility in November 2010, Bluefin is well-positioned to produce the 100 units called for under the initial contract.
The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Source: Bluefin Robotics
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