ECKERNFERDE, Germany, 4 Oct. 2012. After trials by the German Bundeswehr Technical Center for ships and naval weapons in Eckernfoerde, the federal office of defense technology & procurement Koblenz has placed a contract for six REMUS 100 unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), manufactured by Hydroid, Inc., to enhance the capabilities of the German navy's mine divers. Delivery of the REMUS 100 systems and operational training of military personnel will occur during the next 12 months.

The REMUS 100 UUV is equipped with side-scan sonar and various other oceanographic sensors. It navigates by transponder interrogation and DVL-aided inertial dead reckoning in pre-programmed missions. The recorded data will be used to search for mines, lost objects, debris and wrecks or to collect topographic ocean floor mapping for hydrographic and scientific applications.

The REMUS 100 is a compact, lightweight UUV designed for operation in underwater environments up to 100 meters deep. The vehicle can be configured with a wide variety of standard and/or customer-specified sensors and system options in order to meet specialized mission requirements. The vehicle is small enough to be carried by two people, yet contains enough sensor, navigation, and power resources to enable it to perform intricate sonar and oceanographic surveys over large areas.

All of Hydroid's REMUS UUVs are modular: They can be fitted with varying sensors for use in hydrographic surveys, harbor security operations, debris field mapping, scientific sampling and mapping, as well as many basic and applied research programs.

In addition to the German navy's order, REMUS UUVs are currently in operation with the U.S. Navy for mine countermeasures.