General Dynamics Mission Systems unveils new UUV

General Dynamics Mission Systems recently unveiled the company’s new Bluefin-9 autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) for customers in the defence, commercial, and academic sectors.

The Bluefin-9 is designed to provide the same data collection capabilities of larger UUVs and can be deployed and recovered from piers, a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), or other vessels of opportunity.

The UUV includes a removable data storage module (RDSM) which stores high-definition images, video, and sonar data that can be accessed within minutes of the vehicle’s recovery. It delivers mission endurance of up to eight hours at a speed of three knots and can reach speeds of six knots and dive to 200 metres.

Both the RDSM and battery can be replaced in 30 minutes or less, allowing faster redeployment of the UUV.