SOURCE: AFI
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden surface run of its High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV) at Cochin Shipyard’s International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) Jetty in Kochi.
This marks a crucial step forward in developing indigenous underwater exploration and defense capabilities.
The HEAUV is a formidable underwater asset weighing 6 tons. With a length of 9.75 meters and a diameter of 1 meter, it boasts an impressive operational envelope. It can dive up to 300 meters deep and offers a remarkable endurance of 15 days at a cruising speed of 3 knots, with a maximum speed of 8 knots.
The HEAUV is designed for a multitude of missions, including:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Equipped with advanced sensors, the HEAUV can play a vital role in detecting and tracking enemy submarines.
- Mine Counter Measures (MCM): Its ability to autonomously navigate underwater environments makes it ideal for mine detection and disposal operations.
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): The HEAUV can be integrated with sonar, radar, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems for comprehensive underwater data collection.
- Bathymetry: This underwater drone can efficiently map the seabed, creating detailed profiles of the ocean floor.