The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has awarded a contract to Hydroid to supply an additional REMUS 100 (remote environmental measuring unit) autonomous underwater vehicle.

Under the contract, the company will also provide a number of sensors and upgrades for the navy’s existing three REMUS 100 systems in an effort to increase their operational capability.

The REMUS 100 is a compact, lightweight, autonomous underwater vehicle specifically designed to operate in coastal environments up to a depth of 100m.

The underwater vehicle performs a wide range of operations including hydrographic surveys, mine counter-measure operations, harbour security operations, search and salvage operations, and scientific sampling and mapping.

The RNZN REMUS team has been successfully conducting a wide range of military and civilian tasks including location of downed aircraft, police and customs operations, and military exercises within New Zealand and overseas.