SeaBotix AUV Completes Underwater Exercise

Photo courtesy SeaBotix

 

By Priya Potapragada



The SeaBotix vLBV300 ROV participated in a MCM test exercise with two small combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) comprising of the vLBV and an AUV, were launched from a C-130 Aircraft using a parachute to the ocean off Southern California held by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit One  in San Diego. US Navy EOD technicians followed the exercise as the test was taking place.



During the exercise, a suspicious object was located using the AUV . The data was then uploaded to the the SeaBotix vLBV control console and then the vLBV was flown to the target for positive identification. The target was confirmed at 54 meters in less than three hours which is significantly less than the time and personnel usually needed for this kind of operation.



It is estimated the equipment hit the surface of the ocean at up to 6 meters per second in the partially-inflated CRRCs. The SeaBotix vLBV300 allows for high risk underwater operations by reducing dangerous situations for personnel and number of people needed for missions, and decreasing mission time