Bluefin Robotics, a part of Battelle will contribute to the production of next generation large submersible vehicle, following its partnership with The Columbia Group.
Battelle, Bluefin and The Columbia Group Investing to Propel Proteus Vehicle Into the Seas
Bluefin is renowned for design and construction of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and related technology. For over 20 years, the Columbia Group has been offering swimmer delivery vehicles for the U.S. and foreign navies. Renowned for its outstanding achievement of the Advanced SEAL Delivery System, Battelle has been a long time supplier of innovative technology for the U.S. Navy.
The Columbia Group is now developing the hull mechanical and electrical systems for the large Dual Mode Undersea Vehicle called Proteus. This vehicle can function in either autonomous or manned modes. Further upgrades can be carried out by using Bluefin's autonomy technology in unmanned missions. Bluefin also offers excellent power solution besides delivering mission planning capabilities. Battelle establishes systems integration and provides battery charging. However, during spring, various demonstrations will be carried out in the sea by developers.
The Navy witnesses a growing demand to develop advanced UUVs with excellent range, payload capacity and increased mission time.
According to the President and CEO of Bluefin Robotics, David P. Kelly the new development will be supported by a dynamic team. By integrating the objectives and capabilities of the organizations, the vehicle can be designed that will further promote its UUV capabilities for improvements.
Last year, in the Wired Magazine, Proteus was entitled ‘beastly drone’ due to its robust appearance weighing 6,200 lb, measuring 25-ft with a lift capability of 400 lb. It is compatible for both unmanned and manned operations.