Bluefin-21 launches multiple micro-autonomous underwater vehicles during U.S. Navy's ANTX
NewsSeptember 12, 2016
NEWPORT, R.I. At this year's Annual Naval Technology Exercises (ANTX), General Dynamics engineers completed several capability exercises using its Bluefin-21 autonomous underwater vehicle, including demonstrating the Bluefin-21 capability to launch multiple Bluefin SandShark micro-autonomous underwater vehicles.
During the demonstration, the Bluefin SandShark micro-autonomous underwater vehicles surfaced and functioned independent of the Bluefin-21. During one scenario, the Bluefin-21 simulated data collection and transfer of target imagery and other information to two Bluefin SandSharks. Officials explain those Bluefin SandSharks then surfaced to communicate with a Blackwing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Blackwing relayed the information back to a submarine combat control system and subsequent command of Bluefin SandSharks.
Another exercise demonstrated the Bluefin-21 hosting acoustic sensors from industry and academia.
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