US Navy Partners with VideoRay for Advanced Underwater Technology

The United States Navy has recently entered into a contract with VideoRay, a leader in underwater technology, to supply Mission Specialist Defender Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) along with essential components for the Maritime Expeditionary Standoff response (MESR) initiative.

Significant Investment in Underwater Robotics

This new contract, valued at $16.1 million, elevates the total investment by the Navy in Mission specialist Defender vehicles and their accessories to an notable $49 million since the establishment of a Production-Other Transaction Agreement (P-OTA) with VideoRay.

Enhancing Explosive Ordnance Disposal Capabilities

The procurement of these ROVs is part of the Navy’s ongoing strategy to equip Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams with the Mission Specialist Defender,which serves as the foundational platform for the MK20 Defender ROV program. This program leverages cutting-edge technology to effectively identify and neutralize underwater mines.

VideoRay’s Commitment to excellence

Chris Gibson, CEO of VideoRay, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We are honored to support our US Navy clients and to be selected as the production partner for the MESR program. The Mission Specialist Defender, which forms the basis for the MK20 Defender ROV, features modular design and an open systems architecture that facilitates the integration of third-party sensors and payloads. Our product stands out in terms of performance, size, weight, and power, all while maintaining a proven reliability record. It is designed to be man-portable, capable of executing a wide range of challenging missions in demanding underwater conditions.”

Future Enhancements for EOD Operators

Through the MESR Program,the Navy aims to progressively enhance the baseline vehicle with updates to sensors,autonomy,tools,and manipulators,thereby improving the capabilities of EOD operators and minimizing risks during operations.

Real-World Applications of the Defender ROV

One notable request of the mission Specialist Defender units was the prosperous recovery of a downed high-altitude balloon off the coast of South Carolina. For critical operations such as this,as well as for the safe identification and neutralization of underwater mines,VideoRay asserts that the Defender’s portability,power,versatility,and reliability are unparalleled.

Global Support and Training Initiatives

VideoRay has developed a robust network of authorized dealers and service centers to facilitate international and commercial sales. The company also provides a comprehensive online knowledge base filled with training resources and useful references for all its products.

Training sessions are conducted at VideoRay’s headquarters in Pottstown, PA, and at their support facility in San Diego, CA. Additionally, mobile training teams are available to extend their services to customers worldwide.

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