General Dynamics Mission Systems has used the Oceans 2016 event in Monterey, California, to highlight the capabilities of the Bluefin Robotics Hovering-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (H-AUV).
The H-AUV is designed to map, identify and locate structural issues on a ship's hull without the need to dry-dock the ship. It has application for large ocean going petroleum and chemical tankers, cargo ships, cruise ships and military surface and sub-surface vessels.
The system operates autonomously and navigates along piers, bridges and hulls. It streams, records and stores high-resolution images for use by for shipboard or shore-based operators. It can also carry out undersea observation for academic and archaeological research, underwater law enforcement investigations and port and harbour security.
Matt Graziano, director of autonomous undersea systems for General Dynamics Mission Systems, said: ‘Inspecting ship hulls and other underwater surfaces can be a manpower- and cost-intensive part of a ship's observation and maintenance. This H-AUV also reduces the risk to divers when inspecting potential threats attached to a ship's hull or other structure.’
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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