US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
Kongsberg Maritime introduces new Munin AUV
Kongsberg Maritime has expanded its Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) range with the introduction of the Munin AUV for offshore survey. The system, capable of carrying a complete subsea survey payload, was unveiled at Offshore Europe 2013 on 4 September.
The Munin AUV has been developed to allow users to collect high resolution sonar data geo-referenced by a survey grade positioning system. The system has a compact vehicle design for easier launch and recovery, and to allow smaller launch vessels to be used than with larger AUVs.
Munin can be fitted with extra batteries to extend mission time to 24 hours at depths as deep as 1500m. It weighs less than 300kg in air, with 34cm diameter and length between 3 and 4 metres depending on configuration.
Kongsberg Maritime has designed to AUV with a rigid design to integrate the navigation systems and acoustic payload sensors in a single mechanical housing, which is factory calibrated and requires no re-alignment after transport or re-mobilisation. The IHO special order (S-44) compliant sensor payload includes a custom version of the EM2040 multibeam echo sounder, 200-400 kHz, 1ºx1º beam width, swath 120º in addition to an EdgeTech side scan sonar 230/540 kHz and forward looking sonar with advanced terrain following and collision avoidance. Also included is an NBOS conductivity and temperature (CT) sensor whilst a sub-bottom profiler and still image cameras can be specified.
Communication is via Kongsberg Maritime's cNODE acoustic command and data link, Wi-Fi and Iridium. The Kongsberg Maritime NavP aided inertial navigation system (AINS) with Honeywell HG9900 inertial measurement unit (IMU) feature within the navigation system alongside cNODE and HiPAP (option) provide acoustic positioning.
Geir Schmidt, vice president AUV, Kongsberg Maritime, said: ‘The offshore survey industry has long sought a highly capable tool that can be operated from smaller vessels. Munin offers this possibility whilst retaining the ability to carry high-grade survey, navigation and positioning systems that ensure the efficient collection of accurate, reliable high resolution survey data.’
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