| June
2003
(April 24, 2003 – E. Falmouth,
MA) REMUS, the compact and powerful AUV selected
by the U.S. Navy Fleet for mine-counter measure operations
has taken on an important role in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom. This technology has been utilized to
aid in the detection and clearance of near shore mines
within the Middle East.
As heavily reported in the news, The
British cargo ship, Sir Galahad, loaded with over 232
tons of water, food, and other emergency supplies, was
bound for the port of Umm Qasr shortly after the onset
of the war in Iraq. Unfortunately, mines were detected
in the area, and the ship was forced to remain offshore
until mine clearance operations could be conducted.
With the aid of REMUS Autonomous Underwater Vehicles,
a path was finally deemed clear, and the vessel was
able to deliver its badly needed aid.
For the mine location and clearance
operation, the U.S. Navy enlisted the service of their
newly formed Naval Special Clearance Team One, comprised
of highly skilled Navy Seal divers, Explosive Ordinance
Disposal (EOD) divers, and Marine Corps forces. These
forces relied on the Navy’s newest addition to
their Fleet, Hydroid’s REMUS Autonomous Underwater
Vehicles.
The torpedo shaped REMUS vehicle,
measuring in at less than 3 1⁄2 feet long, and
80 lbs, was used extensively to search a pre-programmed
track looking for mine like objects. Rear Admiral Paul
Ryan was quoted by "Inside the Navy" to say
"It's [REMUS] done just a wonderful job for us
over there in the Umm Qasr vicinity and we are looking
forward to the end of the conflict to be able to tell
the full story of the first operational deployment of
UUVs."
Hydroid’s REMUS vehicle was
selected last year to support the U.S. Navy’s
mine counter measure operations. The vehicle is capable
of operating to 100 meters depth, and carries a powerful
payload of standard sensors and instrumentation, including
side scan sonar used to detect the mine like objects.
Within the past 12 month, 14 vehicles have been delivered
to the U.S. Navy. An unknown number of units are currently
in operation throughout the Middle East, and will continue
to play a key role in ensuring the safety of regional
ports and harbors.
For further information
contact Kevin McCarthy, Vice President of Marketing
at Hydroid at Tel 508-563-6565, e-mail kmccarthy@hydroidinc.com.
Return to Press Releases
|
