Hydroid, Inc., a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime and the leading manufacturer of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), announced that the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) has purchased one REMUS 600 system for mine countermeasure operations. The new purchase brings the Japanese MOD AUV fleet to five vehicles.
“We are excited by the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s growing use of Hydroid AUVs for detecting underwater mines,” said Christopher von Alt, president and co-founder of Hydroid. “The REMUS 600 is ideally suited for this application, as, when fully configured, its exceptional endurance allows it to operate underwater for long periods of time in varying depths of water.”
The REMUS 600 AUV was specifically designed for operations requiring extended endurance, increased payload capacity and greater operating depth.
Earlier this year the Japanese MOD purchased four REMUS 100 systems for investigating and mapping seafloor dispersion of contaminants as well as mine countermeasure operations. Mine detection work includes locating explosive devices and other undetonated ordnances as well as finding and classifying submerged objects.
Hydroid’s REMUS AUVs are modular: They can be fitted with a variety of sensors and used to aid in hydrographic surveys, harbor security operations, debris field mapping, scientific sampling and mapping, as well as many basic and applied research programs. With more than 300 vehicles in the field, Kongsberg Maritime is currently the AUV market leader.
The order for the MOD purchase was submitted by SEA Corporation, Hydroid’s representative in Japan.
Hydroid, Inc. is located in the U.S. and a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime, it is part of the Kongsberg Maritime AUV Group, the world’s most trusted manufacturer of advanced Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). REMUS and HUGIN AUVs provide innovative and reliable full-picture AUV systems for the marine research, defense, hydrographic and offshore/energy markets. Together, REMUS and HUGIN represent the most advanced, diversified and field-proven family of AUVs and AUV support systems in the world.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, June 13, 2012; Image: Hydroid