The US Navy will receive Razorback AUV for submarines

In the interests of the US Navy, several promising programs are being developed in the field of autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles (AUVs). As part of a similar project with the Razorback cipher, several types of devices have already been created and put into trial operation. In addition, successful experiments were carried out in the field of AUV operation on carrier submarines.

Difficulties and Solutions

Razorback series AUVs have been in operation for several years and undergo various tests. The carriers of such equipment are various boats and surface ships equipped with the necessary auxiliary equipment. The launching of the vehicles into the water and return on board are carried out using a crane.

The plans of the Navy have long included the placement of promising AUVs on board submarines of various types with the possibility of covert launch and return. As far as we know, over the past few years this topic has been carefully studied and even reached the development of specific projects. It was proposed to adapt the Razorback AUV for compatibility with standard submarine torpedo tubes.

In early November, the annual Naval Submarine League symposium was held in the United States, during which the prospects for the development of submarine forces were discussed. As part of this event, representatives of the command made a number of interesting statements, incl. in the context of the development of uninhabited Razorback vehicles.

General view of the REMUS 600 platform

It was reported that the Navy and contractors have completed the development of a modification of the complex for deployment on submarines. During the design it turned out that the launch of the underwater drone through the torpedo tube is generally not a problem. At the same time, it turned out to be extremely difficult to return the AUV to the carrier board in the same way. However, this task was successfully completed.

Earlier this year (exact dates not named), the Navy tested a modified AUV in conjunction with a torpedo tube of one of the modern types. The events ended in success, and now it is necessary to conduct military tests using combatant ships. A full-fledged deployment of the new system is planned for the near future, but without specifying the timing.

In the wake of these statements, the Navy clarified that a new version of the Razorback, based on the serial REMUS 600 apparatus, is intended for submarines. Several commercial contractors are involved in the creation of such an AUV.

Initial design

The REMUS 600 (Remote Environmental Monitoring Units, 600 m) was developed over a decade ago by Hydroid (owned by the Norwegian Kongsberg Maritime) as a promising monitoring and exploration tool. By order of the Office of Naval Research of the US Navy, a version of the Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish was developed, carrying military equipment. After testing, this product entered service with the US Navy.

Despite its significant age, the REMUS 600 AUV is considered a good platform for placing various equipment. If necessary, it is possible to upgrade the device - and it is this that is currently being carried out as part of the Razorback project.

In the original version, the REMUS 600/Mk 18 has a cylindrical hull with a hemispherical nose fairing and a conical aft section. The total length of the product is 3,25 m with a diameter of 324 mm. Construction weight - approx. 240 kg, depending on interior equipment and payload.

The device is equipped with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries and a propulsion motor with a small diameter two-blade propeller. Maneuvering is carried out with the help of stern rudders. Travel speed to save energy does not exceed 5 knots. Cruising range on one charge - up to 200-210 nautical miles; duration - up to 70 hours. The design withstands immersion to a depth of 600 m.

REMUS 600 has a programmable autopilot, a navigation system, a set of sensors, communications, etc. The device is able to automatically pass a given route and use the installed target equipment. If necessary, the operator can remotely adjust the work program.

Inside the case there are several volumetric compartments for the payload. In particular, the bow volume is intended for the installation of compact forward-looking hydroacoustic systems and/or optoelectronic station. In the central compartment, it is possible to mount a side-view sonar, etc. The type and functions of the equipment are selected by the operator in accordance with the assigned tasks.

Apparatus with side-view sonar

Initially, the REMUS 600 AUV was designed for use by surface carriers. Between missions, it is stored on the deck of the ship and lowered into the water by a crane, which is also responsible for getting back on board. The complex also includes an operator console and other equipment for servicing the apparatus.

Updated device

The exact appearance of the Razorback AUV for submarines has not yet been disclosed. Nevertheless, known information allows us to imagine what it can be like and what functions it gets. At the same time, the last news about tests with torpedo tubes allow us to correct the already known picture.

The body of the REMUS 600 product has a diameter of 324 mm, which allows it to be used with existing torpedo tubes. No design modifications are required, which does not lead to a reduction in battery or payload volumes. Accordingly, running characteristics will remain at the same level.

The control system is undergoing serious modernization. It should be transferred to a modern element base and adapted to solve new problems. First of all, components and algorithms are needed to ensure work with submarines. Returning to the carrier, the AUV must independently find the torpedo tube and enter it. In this case, the submarine can stand still or move.

How exactly such functions are provided is not clear. It is possible that some kind of “driving beacons” should be installed on the carrier submarine, according to which the AUV is oriented in space and sets off on the desired course. In addition, the development and implementation of appropriate algorithms for the operation of the autopilot is required.

Apparently, Razorback will retain the previous payload architecture. As before, hydroacoustic systems for various purposes will be installed on it. With their help, the device will be able to conduct underwater reconnaissance for various purposes. He will have to accompany the carrier and / or move away from him to survey the waters and search for various objects. It is reported that such AUVs will help to search for submarines or sea mines.

New opportunities

According to the latest news, the US Navy and contractors have successfully tested the REMUS 600 / Razorback submersible with the current model torpedo tube. Now it is expected that in the near future such AUVs will undergo full-fledged tests with combatant submarines. The timing of their holding is not specified, but high hopes are pinned on these events.

A new stage of testing will show whether the new AUV is suitable for full-fledged operation in the Navy. It may be necessary to further refine the design or redesign the project in accordance with the changed requirements of the customer. However, the result of these works will be the emergence and adoption of a new complex with an uninhabited underwater vehicle.

How soon this will happen is unknown, although the Navy has reason to be optimistic. Perhaps the most difficult part of the project, related to the creation of new systems and algorithms, has already been completed, and practical measures will not require much time - if no mistakes were made at the development stage. All such work can be completed in the next few years, and no later than the middle of the decade.

Then the stage of introduction of new complexes in the submarine forces will begin. During scheduled repairs and upgrades, combatant submarines will receive the necessary controls and other systems, and new AUVs will appear in their torpedo compartments. In addition, it can be assumed that submarines of promising projects will immediately carry such complexes.

In general, the new version of the Razorback vehicles is of great interest to the US Navy, and recent test successes give cause for optimism. However, the completion of the project and the full introduction of new technology is still far away. Whether it will be possible to bring the promising complex to production and operation, and whether it will meet current expectations, time will tell.

Comments

[credo]

A dangerous promising American development would not hurt us either.

[Subtext]

A trick for a single tactical situation ... And bring all boats under this (1st good cut).
Another good shot for our guys, who will grab hold and start cutting too.

[yho]

We already have Poseidons on alert duty. They will put this yellow minke on a trident and use it with beer.

[rocket757]

The US Navy will receive Razorback AUV for submarines

. Striped tend to be at the forefront of attack ... underwater drones, this is an interesting, necessary topic, like many others.

[Vladimir Postnikov]

Quote: rocket757

The US Navy will receive Razorback AUV for submarines
Striped tend to be at the forefront of attack...

They naturally ended up there thanks to our efficient managers.

Quote: rocket757

underwater drones, this is the same interesting, necessary topic

Since when did it become noticeable? Since the Americans built something? In 2000 and 2002 The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Russian Federation did not need this. (from the letters of the official of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation L. Sidorenko in 2000 and 2002)
Moreover, he asked "to stop the correspondence on this issue with the RF Ministry of Defense in 2002. But on this issue, I contacted the RF Ministry of Defense only once, and this was a response to his letter of 2000. Below is a copy of my answer:

Chairman of the Marine Scientific Committee Mr. L. Sidorenko
Re: Your letter dated January 21, 2000 No. 740/36.
Dear Mr. Sidorenko,
I didn’t win, but I lost. Not to the lottery, but to cards. And finally, not the Volga, but ten thousand.
So briefly describe the essence of your aforementioned letter.
I spoke about the need to work primarily on the SFTS transport system, and not PAN carriers (submarine autonomous carrier). The idea of ​​​​creating autonomous carriers was that PANs can be quickly created on the basis of the production of cargo modules of the SFTS system, where it will be possible to use an ES of the “Fuel Cell” type (fuel cells) as an ES, the need for the development of which will arise at the second stage of implementation SFTS systems (using the money earned in the first stage). I would like to note that the revenue part of the minimum configuration of the SFTS system at the first stage (transit) can presumably amount to at least 150 million US dollars per year in hard currency. Moreover, I proposed not to build PAN, but to be able to build them if necessary, in the shortest possible time, and at the lowest cost (!).
Pan does not require the creation of automated systems that exclude unauthorized use of weapons, because the launch of the PAN itself will be the authorized use of weapons, and not the launch of its missile.
Yes, this is not a “gentleman's” type of weapon, however, like all types of mines, but if there is no money for a stamp, then they write in a simple one.
The main emphasis is on the “deterrence” factor (the most effective so far), which in this case will be even more effective due to the fact that days, weeks and even months can pass between the authorized launch of the PAN carrier and the launch of its rocket, which would force think once of any potential adversary before committing any act of aggression. (You should all shoot!)
Yes, my idea does not take into account the requirements of the START-1 Treaty, but, read carefully, it was about the possible withdrawal of the United States from the ABM Treaty, and this issue was discussed even today between the heads of both diplomatic departments. It's great if you have a decent answer that will correspond to the current financial and technological capabilities of Russia.
And in conclusion, I would once again ask you to be careful not only with the materials that you have to read, but also with the names of their authors, so that later questions do not arise such as: who is Plotnikov - a citizen, or a ship?
Well, I was counting on support, "but it turned out as always."
With wishes,
V. Postnikov
St. Petersburg"

In 10 years, the effective official L. Sidorenko will sit in the chair of the General Designer of Rubin (without being a designer for a single minute before) and in 2015 he will start sawing Poseidon. The result was deafening. Even I heard (from the media). Someone is sawing Sarma now. It is possible that this is already Malachite. Don't know. But Sarma is already being made on fuel cells, as I wanted 23 years ago.
But go and see, it has become an interesting and necessary topic. Well no. Didn't. The business plan for the Polar Route Promotional Project is still being shelved, along with the Limanda, and at the same time the small carriers landing from low altitude. They would cost a penny, because I was interested in the result. But for sawyers it is of no particular interest.

[rocket757]

Quote: Vladimir Postnikov

As a result: we are not on the cutting edge.

And what now, do not write, do not remind, about what should have been done a long time ago ...
So the topic, who did / created something with us, was rooting for the cause, can be expanded and ... or you can not expand and look at those who saw and make a career.
There is no clear, proven recipe here on how to correct injustice, for example.

[Vladimir Postnikov]

Quote: rocket757

There is no clear, proven recipe here on how to correct injustice, for example.

You did not understand. It's not about correcting injustice. There has never been justice in the world, there never will be. The fact is that people continue to "nag" even at a critical moment, on which their life also depends. Look at aerial drones. They caught on only when blood flowed. As for the underwater ones, they haven’t realized it yet. Lost time is already lost. The problem is that we continue to lose until the flows flow here too. Only roasted rooster. This is our national.

[spirit]

Inconspicuous underwater drones can become a new star, just like air "drones" have become, in a conflict where maritime powers will participate. China-USA, for example, even if it is a proxy conflict. If even artisanal drone boats could break through to Sevastopol, then a numerous attack underwater stealth torpedoes, can generally bring out half of the enemy fleet. Modern destroyers now have missiles as their main defense weapon, but all this will be useless if such a flock sails from under the water (with underwater El stealth) and I can’t imagine how to reflect it, even if huge Submarines manage to go out of sight. I’m generally waiting for new types of submarines with hundreds of carriers of such gifts, and if the range is still decent (Ala little Poseidon with a regular warhead), then generally krants

[Aerodrome]

Quote: spirit

In general, I’m waiting for new types of submarines with hundreds of carriers of such gifts, and if the range is still decent (Ala little Poseidon with a regular warhead), then generally krants

so the fleet will be lost as unnecessary, there will be only "drones" roaming the world's oceans like a pack of wolves. and no "arly burke" or "peter" will have a chance to survive. future ...

[Civil]

Quote: Aerodrome

Quote: spirit

In general, I’m waiting for new types of submarines with hundreds of carriers of such gifts, and if the range is still decent (Ala little Poseidon with a regular warhead), then generally krants

so the fleet will be lost as unnecessary, there will be only "drones" roaming the world's oceans like a pack of wolves. and no "arly burke" or "peter" will have a chance to survive. future ...

So the manned air force is rapidly becoming obsolete

[Boniface]

Questions not to the author of the article (clearly, the author translated from some foreign site)

but REMEMBER?

Travel speed to save energy does not exceed 5 knots. Cruising range on one charge - up to 200-210 nautical miles; duration - up to 70 hours.

Grade 6 - Physics
t = s : v
count : 42 hours
according to the text "Travel speed to save energy does not exceed 5 knots"

if the calculation showed 60 - 65 hours, then it would be possible +/- not to accept the error
here - 42 hours - discrepancy 60% strange

second

At the same time, it turned out to be extremely difficult to return the AUV to the carrier board in the same way. However, this task was successfully completed.

tell me, a specialist of the IGO, PLO of the Navy - HOW IS IT?

NO WAY!!! , I will answer you

[solar]

discrepancy 60% strange

no discrepancy.
Speed ​​is not 5 knots, but BEFORE 5 knots.

[Vovanya]

The launch and docking of the AUV with the submarine was decided long ago, and is not difficult - the fact is that the launcher is located outside the hull - it works like a robot vacuum cleaner station. Of course, no one is going to put the TA ANPA into the pipe, because AUVs have low speed, so the rudders are large and go beyond the dimensions. Secondly, the characteristics are weak, but we, it seems, do not have this either, unfortunately.

[avg]

tell me, a specialist of the IGO, PLO of the Navy - HOW IS IT?

Introduced 4 more genders into the developers, a couple of BLM representatives, and things started to go. And then some "snowballs" in the photo.

[Daniil Budik]

This is called: "technical cretinism".
Why? Have they heard of "rope torpedo tubes"?

[km-21]

Mankind will not die from a volcanic eruption or a meteorite fall. Mankind will be killed by high-tech machines designed to instantly kill millions and billions. Sooner or later, all warring powers will acquire such machines. And then one of them will have a little glitch in the computer attack warning system.
And all ...

[VicktorVR]

Kind of a strange thing.
Judging by the size of regular torpedoes, it is possible to push an ANPA with at least twice the displacement into it. With acc. growth of characteristics and capabilities.
Why work with this thing?
Apparently for operational testing of the concept and development of solutions. Next comes the diameter of half a meter and the length of five.