DARPA's sub-hunting drone appears in concept video
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The ACTUV will be built out of modular parts, which will make it cheaper and easier to repair when necessary
The ACTUV returns to port after 60 to 90 days of continuous operation for refueling and repairs if necessary
A command station allows one operator to monitor the activities of multiple ACTUVs simultaneously
Human control is only required as the ACTUV enters or leaves port – otherwise, it can operate completely autonomously
The ACTUV uses a set of situational sensors to detect and track surface-side ships, ensuring safe navigation
The ACTUV is unarmed – it is designed to find and track stealthy submarines, thereby eliminating them as a threat
DARPA is investing millions into this Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vehicle, or ACTUV, which will find and track stealthy diesel-electric subs
The ACTUV communicates via satellite to its command post and neighboring ships
The ACTUV uses a very high-frequency sonar to take an acoustic image of its target, which can be used to precisely classify the enemy submarine
The ACTUV can autonomously remap its route to avoid surface-level ships while it tracks an enemy sub using sensors above and below the water line
Article Summary
The murky details of DARPA's sub-hunting drone project are a bit clearer, thanks to a new concept video published by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). DARPA is spending US$58 million to have SAIC build the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vehicle (ACTUV), which will detect and track a growing number of stealthy, inexpensive diesel-electric subs.
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