Development of underwater unmanned systems Riptide's getting fast.

Unmanned underwater system family Riptide includes three vehicles: MIKRO with a diameter of 4,875 inches (124 mm) and a weight of 25 pounds (11.3 kg), 1MP (portable) with a diameter of 7,5 inches (190 mm) and a weight of 65 to 120 pounds (29.5 to 54.4 kg) and 2MP 9 inches (238 mm) in diameter and 120 to 240 pounds (54.4 to 109 kg). These portable, small UUVs are sophisticated, but simple, efficient and very flexible platforms that offer distinguishing them from other capabilities systems, including the ability to dip to a greater depth, greater range, longer operating life and higher speed.

"As combined activities covering each domain become the US Department of Defense (DoD) operating standard, there is an increasing demand for submarines with critical equipment and autonomous technology," said Dr. John Hogan, Director of Sensor Processing and Exploration at BAE Systems. "Since the announcement of the takeover, we have made huge technological and integration advances so that we can serve the Defense Department's customers, as well as commercial, R & D and education organizations, to explore underwater areas in an affordable and professional way."

Set a course. Riptide's first year focused on milestones related to integration and infrastructure:

The new production facility – the state-of-the-art series production plant and prototypes worth millions of dollars, built in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which significantly increases the capabilities of both vehicle and personnel development, focusing on the Riptide product line.
A commercial valuation model – established to improve the purchase of UUV by using standard system configurations depending on the missions that satisfy our extensive customer base, while constantly improving the quality, reliability and repeatability of underwater systems.
System presentations – within just a few months of acquisition, our team demonstrated an integrated solution during ANTX (Advanced Naval Technology Exercise) 2019. The effect of combining our advanced technology of autonomy and communication on radio frequency with the recently acquired platform was presented, showing the ease of integration and the possibility of using underwater technology previously used in aviation. Modular systems with open architecture BAE Systems have proven the ability to quickly integrate and introduce new solutions in many different missions.
Product development – a new facility and additional own investments have led to many milestones for this product, including transforming prototypes into production-ready systems. • Micro UUV – enhanced with new features.
1MP UUV – finished prototype.
2MP UUV – completed new generation design and prototype.
In addition, we have developed the first prototype of our UUV capable of operating at a depth of 6000 meters. It will provide unparalleled flexibility and cost-effectiveness by performing missions unique to the small UUV class and overcoming barriers to access to the deep ocean.

Deeper, come on, faster, smarter.

Since development and integration ensure the evolution of our products, we strive to provide modular UUV structures capable of performing many missions. These systems should be easily modified according to different development needs. Our family of autonomous underwater Riptide systems is a long-term and scalable solution for designers of autonomy and behaviour, power systems, underwater sensors and new equipment. Among many commercial and military applications for our UUV and sensor kits are seabed surveillance, seaport security, intelligence collection, infrastructure surveillance, oil and natural gas exploration and mine-based activities.

Source: BAE Sustems