Bluefin to deliver SMCM unmanned underwater vehicle

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has subcontracted Bluefin Robotics to manufacture and deliver a surface mine countermeasure unmanned underwater vehicle (SMCM UUV).

The subcontract has an option for the production of up to five low-rate initial production systems.

The system, part of the US Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mine Warfare mission package, will allow ship crews to locate mines, including those suspended in the ocean, buried on the seabed and in cluttered underwater environments.

The system features modular and flexible vehicle architecture, pressure-tolerant, field-swappable subsea batteries, and low-noise propulsion technology.

The vehicle incorporates two Bluefin-21 UUVs, launch and recovery equipment, a support container, spare parts and support equipment in addition to a GD-built advanced sonar payload.

Work will be carried out at the company's facility in Quincy, Massachusetts, US.