The Royal Navy is advancing its underwater operational capabilities by integrating refined robotic technologies aimed at improving maritime safety and responding to underwater threats. A pivotal component in these efforts is the VideoRay Mission specialist Defender Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), which has been instrumental in recent trials organized by the UK’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
In partnership with various industry stakeholders, Dstl has successfully integrated a range of mission-specific technologies into the commercially available VideoRay Mission Specialist Defender ROV.
This upgraded system is specifically engineered to address sabotage threats to underwater infrastructure and to safely neutralize legacy unexploded ordnance (UXO),which pose considerable dangers to both vessels and divers.
notably, the Defender has been selected as the preferred ROV for the US navy’s MESR program, following a significant $92.6 million five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for its family of systems.
John, an explosives engineer at Dstl, remarked, “This technology represents a crucial asset for ensuring the safety of our Armed Forces while delivering value for taxpayers.”
“With its unique capabilities, including advanced sensors, tools, and cameras, operators can effectively manage underwater hazards in a safe and efficient manner.”
The enhanced ROV is adept at detecting UXO on the ocean floor and can deploy remotely operated explosive charges to neutralize these threats.Its compact yet robust design allows it to operate at depths beyond the reach of divers, extending mission durations and minimizing the need for personnel in risky environments.
Thanks to its modular design and high-definition video and sonar capabilities, the Mission Specialist Defender can be quickly deployed from ships or shorelines and operated remotely. This provides operators with real-time situational awareness and precise control for investigating and neutralizing underwater threats.
This system is designed to complement other robotic platforms,enabling comprehensive seabed surveys,threat identification,and targeted interventions without risking the ROV itself,thereby maximizing operational efficiency and repeat usage.
The initiative not only enhances underwater defence capabilities but also fosters specialized employment within the UK’s defense technology sector through ongoing collaboration among Dstl, the Royal Navy, and technology providers like VideoRay. Various tactics,techniques,and technologies have been collaboratively developed and tested during successful trials at significant locations,including Horsea island in Portsmouth,Portland Harbour,South Wales,and Norway.
This Royal Navy-funded project is at the forefront of advancing maritime unmanned systems, showcasing the potential of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) platforms like the VideoRay Mission Specialist Defender to deliver state-of-the-art military capabilities with improved cost-effectiveness and operational safety.
