In part one; we explained how both "swimmer" and "glider" AUVs have many uses. We mentioned Mine Counter Measures (MCM). Here the advantages include increasing the distance from the threat and removing the need for divers or mammals to identify and neutralise the mines.
"The AUV can also increase the speed and tempo of operations, is deployable from a wide range of platforms and is able to work in very shallow water and surf," explains Paul Newman, the offshore industry consultant.
Every vehicle design is a compromise between cost, endurance, speed, size, depth rating, weight, sensors, autonomy and fitness for purpose.
Large AUVs can be up to 6m long, they are usually optimised for operation in deep waters of 1,000m and deeper, and they weigh up to 5,000kg.
Hydroid Remus 6000 AUV
Source Hydroid
They support large (physically and electrically) payloads with high specification sensors and have ranges as much as 150-300 line kilometers to minimise non-productive return.
Batteries in AUVs can be recharged in-situ or swapped. They may be supervised via acoustic modem equipped with high specification positioning and navigation systems. This level of sophistication means cost can be $1m to $5m.
The main players in the large AUV sector are Kongsberg with its Hugin 1000, 3000 and 4500 vehicles, Hydroid with its REMUS 6000/SAMS vehicle, ISE with its Explorer and Bluefin Robotics with its Bluefin 21.
Smaller AUVs are usually designed for operation in shallower waters of less than 100m and they usually remain unsupervised during operation and have a low payload capacity and short range of 20-40 line km.
They are equipped with basic navigation and positioning systems and can operate at or near the surface as well as at depth. They can be up to 2m in length and weigh up to 50kg. Their simpler specification and capability and smaller size means they cost $50,000 to $250,000.
The main suppliers of small AUVs are Hydroid with its REMUS 100 and iRobot with its Ranger and OceanServer with Iver2. Other participants include Oceanscan-MST, Virginia Institute, Univ. of Porto, Kongsberg and YSI.
For more see: Electric Vehicles 2010-2020 and attend Future of Electric Vehicles a global event on the whole electric vehicle market, covering all forms of EVs.
