POCASSET, Mass., 12 Sept. 2007. Hydroid LLC, a manufacturer of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), was awarded a multisystem, multiyear contract by the U.K. Ministry of Defence to supply the Royal Navy with REMUS 600 AUVs. The contract specifies for the supply of two REMUS 600 systems complete with operating, deployment, recovery, and support equipment, and training and associated logistic support. The contract also exercised options for two additional vehicles and ancillary equipment.
The REMUS units will enhance the Royal Navy's mine countermeasures capability within the littoral area, providing a detailed maritime survey, mine detection, and classification capability in the 30m to 200m depth range.
Scheduled to enter service http://mae.pennnet.com/articles/article_display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&C=Feat&ARTICLE_ID=302860&KEYWORDS=autonomous%20underwater&p=32yourfile.html">the REMUS 600 AUV systems will have a primary role of mine reconnaissance, called MCM Recce, but can also be tasked to conduct hydrographic surveys and environmental assessments. In addition, the systems can be used in a general search and salvage role in support of humanitarian operations involving both military and civilian authorities.
Hydroid's REMUS AUVs can be fitted with different types of sensors and cameras and have been used to aid in hydrographic surveys, harbor security operations, debris field mapping, and scientific sampling and mapping.
