General Dynamics
The redesigned Bluefin-9 UUV features a modular design which allows batteries and data modules to be quickly exchanged as needed.
The redesigned Bluefin-9 UUV features a modular design which allows batteries and data modules to be quickly exchanged as needed.
The redesigned Bluefin-9 UUV features a modular design which allows batteries and data modules to be quickly exchanged as needed.
The redesigned Bluefin-9 UUV features a modular design which allows batteries and data modules to be quickly exchanged as needed.
The redesigned Bluefin-9 UUV features a modular design which allows batteries and data modules to be quickly exchanged as needed.

Redesigned UUV Features High Navigational Accuracy

Nov. 14, 2018
The redesigned Bluefin-9 UUV features a modular design which allows batteries and data modules to be quickly exchanged as needed.

Autonomous vehicles are likely to play increasing roles in resolving future conflicts, and General Dynamics Mission Systems ensured that its Bluefin-9 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) would be considered as a serious military UUV, providing it with a complete redesign. Unveiled at the recent Oceans 2018 event in Charleston, S.C., the latest version of the UUV has been re-engineered for improved navigational accuracy and sonar resolution.

It has been dramatically improved compared to earlier versions because of enhanced manufacturing techniques to better serve defense, commercial, and academic customers with precision, underwater autonomous piloting and data gathering in a fraction of the time required by previous models. The UUV can be deployed and recovered from piers, rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), or other vessels for ease of launching and recovering from almost any water access point.

The improved UUV includes a removable data storage module (RDSM) for storage of captured images, video, and sonar data. The module can be removed and accessed within minutes of recovering a Bluefin-9 UUV from a mission. The underwater vehicle is designed for mission endurance to eight hours at a speed of 3 knots; it can travel at speeds to 6 knots and dive to depths of 200 m. The Bluefin-9 features a modular design so that users can exchange the memory modular and/or the battery quickly to continue missions or data gathering.

“General Dynamics has invested in the redesigned Bluefin-9 and a broad team of engineering experts has made significant improvements to the design, production quality, modularity, and reliability of the entire Bluefin Robotics product family to deliver cost-effective UUVs with more mission capability and range,” said Carlo Zaffanella, a vice president and general manager at the company. “We are proud to introduce this first product of a new generation of UUVs, designed to meet the dynamic operational challenges of our defense and commercial customers.” The Bluefin-9 is supplied with an 18-month product warranty.

Sponsored Recommendations

Frequency Modulation Fundamentals

March 14, 2024
The development of crystal-clear FM communications was an innovation of genius and toil. Utilized today in applications such as radar, seismology, telemetry and two-way radios...

44 GHz Programmable Signal Generator

March 14, 2024
The Mini-Circuits SSG-44G-RC is a 0.1 to 44 GHz signal source with an RF output range of -40 to +17 dBm with fine resolution. This model supports CW and pulsed (? 0.5 ?s) outputs...

Webinar: Introduction to OTA Measurement for mmWave and Sub-THz

Feb. 19, 2024
Join Jeanmarc Laurent, a leading expert from MilliBox, for an exclusive live webinar showcasing a complete Over-the-Air (OTA) testing system setup. In this immersive session, ...

Using a CMT VNA with Socket Server

Feb. 19, 2024
This application note describes use of a software application CMT Socket Server which is distributed and supported by Aphena Ltd. Please email [email protected] regarding purchase...