The Bluefin Robotics H-AUV locates, identifies and maps structural issues on a shipβs hull including large ocean going cargo ships, petroleum and chemical tankers, cruise ships and military surface and sub-surface vessels without dry-docking the ship (see photos in gallery).
It operates autonomously and navigates along a hull, bridges or piers. High-resolution images are streamed, recorded and stored by the H-AUV for shipboard or shore-based operators to observe in real time, or study once the scan is complete.
The H-AUV can also conduct undersea observation for port and harbor security, underwater law enforcement investigations, archaeological and academic research.
βInspecting ship hulls and other underwater surfaces can be a manpower- and cost-intensive part of a shipβs observation and maintenance,β said Matt Graziano, director of Autonomous Undersea Systems for General Dynamics Mission Systems. βThis H-AUV also reduces the risk to divers when inspecting potential threats attached to a shipβs hull or other structure.β
General Dynamics Mission Systems develops, builds and operates a portfolio of Bluefin Robotics Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and related technologies for defense, commercial and academic customers worldwide.
General Dynamics Mission Systems featured the Bluefin Robotics hovering-autonomous underwater vehicle (H-AUV) at OCEANS 2016 in Monterey, California.
