Redesigned Bluefin-9 UUV launched
General Dynamics Mission Systems has released the new re-engineered Bluefin-9 UUV, the company announced on 23 October.
The vehicle combines high navigational accuracy, enhanced sonar resolution and precision manufacturing to provide defence, commercial and academic customers with detailed subsurface data collection capabilities. The system can be deployed and recovered from piers, rigid-hulled inflatable boats or other vessels of opportunity.
The Bluefin-9 includes a removable data storage module (RDSM) that stores high-definition images, video and sonar data that can be accessed within minutes of the vehicle's recovery. With the endurance of up to eight hours at a speed of 3kt, Bluefin-9 can reach speeds of 6kt and dive to 200m. Its modular design allows the user to exchange both the RDSM and battery to redeploy the Bluefin-9 in 30 minutes or less.
The UUV is designed for environmental survey, water quality measurement, search and recovery, security and ISR missions.
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