Vishakapatnam, May 15: The Indian Navy will soon have another indigenous weapon to be proud of — the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).
The product of five years of hard work by the Naval Science Technological Laboratory (NSTL), the final trial runs of the unmanned AUV have proved successful.
The vehicle can lay mines, fire missiles, and collect data, including pictures, on its own. It will be operated from the ground station through satellite remote sensing.
Compact in size and weighing 435 kg, the AUV is cheaper than a submarine and can go deeper. As of now, only four nations possess such a vehicle, and India will become the fifth.
The NSTL has developed the as yet unnamed AUV for both defence and oceanographic research purposes.
“Our AUV features advanced technology and can move about in enemy waters without making a sound. It will provide data for both defence and commercial applications. In other words, it is like an underwater satellite which can capture and send images,’’ a scientist told Express.
Having completed its trial runs, it will soon be handed over to the Indian Navy. “In the present scenario in which all coastal areas are facing terrorist threats, the AUV will be engaged in guarding harbours, besides anti-submarine warfare and detection of submarines and warships.
The design, technology and robotics are totally developed by NSTL scientists.
“On sensing any unauthorised ships and submarines in its jurisdiction, the AUV automatically sends information to the ground station,’’ the sources said.
–Agencies