4–5
The AUV 62 vehicle can easily be adapted to an Artificial Submarine Acoustic Target configuration using a payload module with a noise transmitter and an echo transponder. It can then be used to resemble a true submarine for operator training as well as an onboard Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) sonar and command system check-up.
Artificial Submarine Acoustic Target
Not only military missions can be undertaken with the AUV 62 using the same high-resolution sonar system for mine reconnaissance. The system is equally suitable for performing more general reconnaissance and surveillance missions, such as searching for small objects and recording their positions as well as generating the corresponding sensor raw data for further action or information purposes.
General Reconnaissance and Surveillance
Key facts about the AUV 62 System adapted for Mine Reconnaissance: • Area Coverage Rate: 2 km2/h • Sonar Resolution: better than 5x5 cm* • Swath Width: 200 m * Range independent within the swath width.
Configured with a high performance power source (i.e. Lithium-ion batteries) warranting long endurance, the AUV 62 vehicle is a very cost-effective alternative to conventional mine-hunting vessels. In contrast to traditional mine reconnaissance, missions undertaken by the AUV 62-based mine-hunting system are cost and time efficient thanks to the inherent autonomy characteristics.
The AUV 62 vehicle can be adapted to perform mine reconnaissance missions by equipping the payload module with a dual Flank Array Sonar (FAS) together with a high resolution Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) for gap-filling and obstacle avoidance. On-board Synthetic Aperture Processing (SAP) enables rapid evaluation and provides a firm basis for real-time Computer Aided Classification (CAD) using the Post-Mission Analysis system. Images of any Mine-Like Objects (MLOs) detected are regularly transferred back to the launching platform for on-line pre-classification.
Mine Reconnaissance
The Payload Module for Environmental Monitoring is equipped with a number of different sensors for physical, chemical and biological monitoring of the underwater environment. The AUV 62 System can perform autonomous, long endurance environmental monitoring over large areas without supervision. Physical data such as conductivity, temperature and density are measured as a standard, while sensors for other parameters can be added on request. The sensor for dissolved oxygen, that can be an important indicator for environmentally benign conditions, is one example, while a water sampler for biological monitoring is another.
Environmental Monitoring
By supplying the Payload Module with a Sub-bottom Profiler, the structure of the sediment layers below the seabed can be categorized and documented. The addition of aMBES to the same module enables studying the change of the seabed structure over time, relative to the firm basement.
Sub-bottom Mapping
Using a Payload Module equipped with a MBES (Multi Beam Echo Sounder), the seabed profile scanned by the AUV 62 vehicle is continuously recorded during the mission and serves as a basis for subsequent seabed map generation. The accuracy of the mapping data fully complies with IHO standards (International Hydrographic Organization).
Seabed Mapping