The Indian Navy has issued a request for information (RFI) for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of being launched from undersea platforms, as reported by Janes. Known as the underwater-launched autonomous underwater vehicle (ULAUV) project, the RFI aims to gather details on systems designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as mine-countermeasures (MCM) deception operations.
The ULAUV must be able to detect both surface and subsurface targets and relay this information to another underwater platform via an acoustic communication link. Additionally, it should record acoustic and visual data of targets for analysis and possess homing capabilities to locate the distress signals of disabled underwater platforms, indicating its use in detecting distressed submarines.
Performance-wise, the ULAUV should reach a maximum speed of at least 5 knots in still water conditions and have an endurance of over 24 hours at cruising speeds. It should be powered by an electric motor system that produces minimal acoustic noise and be navigated using an inertial navigation system and differential GPS with anti-jamming features.
Moreover, the systems submitted in response to the RFI must comply with the Indian Telecommunication Engineering Centre’s (TEC) ruggedisation standards for underwater environments.
The RFI, which runs until 16 July, specifies that all correspondence should be directed to India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
(Reporting By Janes)