Navy receives additional counter-mine hull inspection systems

QUINCY, Mass., April 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has received additional robotic ship hull inspection systems to detect limpet mines, improvised explosive devices and other objects.

The two new systems from Bluefin Robotics were delivered under the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Hull Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Localization System Program of Record.

Each MK19 system, developed under the authority of the Office of Naval Research and EOD Program Office, consists of two HUAV-3, or hovering autonomous underwater vehicles, and associated support equipment.

In addition to inspecting ship hulls, the systems also allow detection of threats on piers, pilings and quay walls in harbors.

"The MK19 vehicle operates by hull-relative navigation and control and provides very detailed acoustic images of a ship hull with 100 percent sonar coverage, without prior knowledge about the ship," said Jerome Vaganay, Bluefin's director of Inspection Systems.

"Although it looks like a remotely operated vehicle with its six thrusters and its fiber optic data tether, the vehicle is powered by an onboard battery and operates primarily autonomously with the ability for the operator to take manual control to investigate contacts."

Batelle, the parent company of Bluefin Robotics, said the Navy is purchasing two additional MK19 systems this year.

The Navy, prior to the latest delivery, had eight systems in operation.