AUV Bluefin-21

The Bluefin-21 is a highly modular autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle able to carry multiple sensors and payloads at once. It boasts a high energy capacity that enables extended operations even at the greatest depths. The Bluefin-21 has immense capability but is also flexible enough to operate from various ships of opportunity worldwide. The Bluefin-21 is ideal for a variety of applications, including: Search and Salvage Archaeology and Exploration Oceanography Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) FEATURES FREE-FLOODED MODULARITY The vehicle design includes swappable payload sections and battery modules for in-field mission reconfiguration. Subsystems can be quickly accessed for rapid turnaround between missions and also allow for in-field maintenance, accelerating operational tempo. EFFICIENT WORKHORSE The Bluefin-21 is an efficient, deep-rated UUV able to execute surveys with demanding requirements typically addressed by larger, more cumbersome platforms. Its small size and ability to be launched and recovered from a simple A-frame or docking head allow it to take advantage of ships of opportunity. ACCURATE NAVIGATION The Bluefin-21 uses an INS to provide the best possible navigation accuracy. Dead reckoning drift is typically less than 0.1% of distance traveled, yielding higher quality data. USBL aiding further improves navigation accuracy. AIR-SHIPPABLE The vehicle, batteries and support equipment can be broken down and packaged into easily transportable sections, making the system ideal for time-critical and remote operations.