Advancement in Underwater Robotics: REMUS 620’s Successful Integration
Successful Undersubmarine Recovery Test
A collaborative effort between HII, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport has culminated in the inaugural recovery of a second-generation REMUS 620 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). This milestone was achieved within a torpedo tube and shutterway test fixture located at Seneca Lake, New York, as announced on October 6th.
Key Milestones Achieved
- Integration of Advanced Technology: This significant achievement follows less than seven months after WHOI’s Yellow Moray torpedo tube launch and recovery (TTL&R) system was incorporated into the next-generation REMUS 620.
- Enhanced Submarine Operations: HII identified this event as a crucial advancement in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force’s capabilities related to the deployment and retrieval of unmanned undersea vehicles from submarine torpedo tubes.
Operational Success
The team conducted an in-water assessment that validated the REMUS 620’s proficiency in executing complex autonomous navigational and communication protocols. This included:
- Safe Docking Procedures: The REMUS 620 successfully docked with the Shock and Fire Enclosure Capsule (SAFECAP) deployed in a submerged Virginia-class submarine fixture.
- Unique Deployment Technique: The vehicle was able to demonstrate reverse swimout launch procedures and ensured safe separation during the operational testing phase.
Implications for Future Naval Operations
The integration of the REMUS 620 into the U.S. Navy’s capabilities represents a major leap toward enhancing undersea warfare. As the complexity of maritime operations continues to grow, the ability to effectively employ autonomous systems like the REMUS 620 will play a crucial role in maintaining operational superiority.
Further Developments
For comprehensive details regarding the ongoing development of the REMUS 620 system, additional insights can be found in the upcoming DSEI 2025 which will feature the SAMDIS 600 synthetic aperture sonar’s integration with the REMUS 620 UUV.
This advancement not only emphasizes the strategic importance of advanced underwater systems but also highlights the collaborative efforts between institutions and the Navy in pushing the boundaries of technological capabilities in undersea warfare.
