Mine countermeasure UUV being developed

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QUINCY, Mass., Nov. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. manufacturer of unmanned underwater vehicles, Bluefin Robotics, is building a surface mine countermeasure vehicle for the U.S. Navy.

The design and manufacturing award was given in a subcontract from General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.

"Bluefin is excited to be a part of this industry team led by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems to deliver a much-needed war-fighting capability for the MCM mission package," said David P. Kelly, president and chief executive officer of Bluefin Robotics.

"We are looking forward to leveraging proven Bluefin technologies demonstrated over the past decade and further advance the vehicle capabilities to fully satisfy the LCS (Littoral Combat Ship) mission requirements."

The SMCM UUV system will provide enhanced mine-hunting capability. The SMCM UUV system package will include two Bluefin-21 UUVs , as well as launch-and-recovery equipment, a support container, spare parts and support equipment.

The UUV to be built will feature modular and flexible vehicle architecture and low-noise propulsion.

Advanced sonar developed by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems will also be included.

No dollar value for the subcontract was given.

Bluefin said the deal includes a production option for as many as five additional low-rate initial production systems.