French A9-M AUVs to receive comms upgrade
ECA Group is set to update the French Navy’s A9-M AUVs will new long range communication capabilities, the company announced on 7 December.
The six A9-M vehicles were delivered to the French Navy mine disposal divers (GPD) of Toulon and Brest in 2013. The new communications capabilities will allow operators to exchange messages – such as basic orders and mission modifications - with the AUV during non-line-of-sight operations.
The A9-M is used for sonar imagery to identify mine-like objects in underwater mine countermeasure operations. The system's acoustic and magnetic signatures are minimised in order not to trigger underwater mines when operating in a minefield.
The new communications functions have been developed under feedback from French Navy operations. ECA Group expects to roll out the update across its AUV portfolio, including the A9, A18, A27, to increase operational capabilities.
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