Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
The most recent news regarding Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) is the successful development of a new generation of indigenous MP-AUVs by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
About Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MPAUVs) are compact, lightweight underwater drones designed to be carried and deployed by personnel for missions such as mine countermeasures.
Key Features
- The system includes multiple AUVs equipped with side scan sonar and underwater cameras for real-time detection.
- Deep learning-based onboard target recognition algorithms enable autonomous classification, reducing operator workload.
- An underwater acoustic communication network allows seamless data exchange between the AUVs, enhancing coordination and situational awareness.
- It offers rapid response capabilities with minimal logistical footprint and reduced operational risk to naval personnel.
- The vehicles are designed for autonomous operation with multi-AUV coordination.
Applications and Significance
- Primarily used for mine countermeasure (MCM) missions in naval operations.
- Their man-portable design allows quick deployment from small boats or shore.
- Indian development of these vehicles represents a significant advancement in indigenous underwater defence technology.
- These MP-AUVs have undergone successful field trials validating their effectiveness in detection, classification, and communication.
This innovation strengthens defence readiness by providing a smart, networked, and deployable underwater surveillance and countermeasure tool that can operate with minimal human intervention and faster mission execution.
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