QUINCY, Mass., April 18 (UPI) -- Bluefin Robotics of Massachusetts has joined an effort to develop a new acoustic countermeasure for U.S. Navy use against torpedoes.
Under a subcontract from Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems Inc., Bluefin will support Ultra in the development, design, fabrication, integration and testing of the acoustic device countermeasure MK 5, with a particular responsibility of providing the mobility subsystem.
Bluefin is a leading manufacturer of autonomous underwater vehicles.
The ADC MK 5, which will feature both static and mobile capabilities, will replace the legacy MK 2 and MK 3 torpedo countermeasures in use by the Navy and improve defenses against acoustic homing torpedoes.
"Bluefin's outstanding AUV track record will contribute greatly to our team's ability to provide a system that addresses the Navy's torpedo countermeasure needs," said David Howard, vice president of business development at Ultra Electronics. "We look forward to integrating Bluefin's extensive sub-sea navigation and control development capability into our countermeasure development team to deliver an improved critical capability for the U.S. Navy."
The ADC MK 5 program marks an expansion of the Bluefin product line, which includes five AUV models. Bluefin said it will draw from proven technology used in their larger AUVs to develop the 3-inch diameter, low-cost, expendable MK 5 device.
