AUV "Vityaz-D" has been upgraded and is ready for operation
Russian shipbuilders continue to work on a promising robotic complex for ultra-deep diving with an autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicle Vityaz-D. It is reported that the complex has recently undergone modernization, as a result of which it received new opportunities. In the updated form, the complex passed the next tests and confirmed the design characteristics.
During the test
The Vityaz-D ultra-deep diving complex was developed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau of Transportation (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) in cooperation with the Advanced Research Foundation. By the end of the last decade, an experimental complex based on the new AUV was put to the test. Gradually, the complexity of the tasks performed grew. So, on May 8-9, 2020, the Vityaz-D AUV sank to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.
Later, representatives of the development organizations repeatedly talked about the possibility of further development of Vityaz-D with an increase in the main characteristics and obtaining new opportunities of various kinds. However, the details of such modernization were not disclosed until recently.
So, in August 2022, the TASS agency published an interview with USC Deputy General Director for Military Shipbuilding Vladimir Korolev. Among the corporation's promising projects, he mentioned the further development of the existing Vityaz-D complex. Its goal is to equip the AUV with new research equipment. More precise information was not provided.
On February 1, 2023, TASS also published an interview with Andrey Grigoriev, CEO of the FPI. One of the topics of conversation was underwater robotics, and the head of the enterprise spoke about some events in the context of the Vityaz-D project. The head of the Fund stated that the AUV has already passed the planned upgrade. The purpose of the work carried out was to expand its functionality.
How exactly the existing AUV was updated and improved is not reported. At the same time, the Director General of the FPI noted that now the complex actually includes two underwater vehicles. Thanks to this, the complex can carry out work continuously - a pair of "Knights" will replace each other.
In 2022, the upgraded complex was tested. The unnamed deep-water regions of the Pacific Ocean became the test site for the updated AUVs. The complex showed and confirmed its capabilities. In addition, he demonstrated his readiness for full operation and use for its intended purpose.
underwater platform
The Vityaz-D ultra-deep diving complex is designed to conduct studies of the bottom and water column in hard-to-reach areas of the World Ocean. The complex includes several main components. First of all, it is an uninhabited underwater vehicle or vehicles. There are also so-called. bottom communication and navigation station, as well as a control point.
All facilities of the complex are placed on the carrier vessel. In this role, different vessels can be used, having space for placing special equipment, a crane for moving AUVs, etc. So, diving into the Mariana Trench was carried out from the board of the tug "Fotiy Krylov" of the Pacific fleet.
The Vityaz-D apparatus is a small-sized submarine of a special design. Product length - 5,7 m with a diameter of 1,3 m. Displacement - 5,65 tons. Power structural elements, including sealed volumes resistant to external pressure, are made of metals, incl. titanium alloys. External contours are formed by plastic elements. The design of the device provides the ability to dive and work in any area of the World Ocean, down to the deepest areas.
The energy of the device is built on the basis of electrical systems. Batteries and other equipment are on board. The movement is provided by four marching electric motors in the stern. There are 10 thrusters for maneuvering.
Instruments and devices for various purposes can be placed on board the AUV. So, a digital photo-video system of ultra-high resolution is installed in the nose. It is planned to install a side-view hydroacoustic station; another hydroacoustic complex is used for navigation and communications. There are devices for collecting water and soil samples. Probably, during the recent modernization, Vityaz-D received some new devices. In general, the set of target equipment may change in accordance with current tasks.
A special control system with artificial intelligence has been developed for the complex. It receives and processes all incoming data and exchanges information with the carrier vessel via a hydroacoustic channel. The system can execute operator commands and work offline. In the latter case, it independently controls the movement and uses the target equipment. It was in autonomous mode that the descent into the Mariana Trench was carried out.
According to the results of modernization
As previously reported, the Vityaz-D complex can perform a wide range of tasks of various kinds. Due to the installation of this or that equipment, the AUV is able to study the seabed, search for various objects, etc. As a result of recent modernization, the purpose of the complex as a whole does not change, but new opportunities and advantages appear.
So, it is reported about the construction of the second device "Vityaz-D". Two such products on one carrier vessel can be used in shifts. This will optimize the work schedule and even ensure the continuity of all activities. In addition, if necessary, it is possible to use both AUVs simultaneously with obtaining known advantages.
As reported, in the course of modernization, the complex of onboard equipment was redesigned. In its original configuration, Vityaz-D is capable of taking photographs and videos, mapping the seabed using a side-scan sonar, collecting samples and recording various environmental parameters. Apparently, when updating the project, all these features were preserved. At the same time, they could replace part of the target equipment with newer analogues, as well as expand the range of compatible devices.
A research complex with such capabilities can be used in various research programs of the navy and scientific organizations. It is possible to work in different areas of the World Ocean - in fact, at any point accessible to the carrier vessel. Thus, the Vityaz-D tests were carried out in the Pacific Ocean, and new missions may take place in other areas.
Probably, in the near future, the Vityaz-D complex and other domestic AUVs will be widely used in the Arctic. The North Seas are of great interest from a scientific, economic and military-political point of view. Their research and development is given due attention, and the emergence of new tools with special capabilities in the form of AUVs will bring obvious benefits. However, plans of this kind have not yet been specified.
In the process of development
Thus, work on the Vityaz-D ultra-deep diving complex did not stop after the record was set and continues successfully. After the first checks, in the recent past, the existing AUV was upgraded and received new features. In addition, the existing underwater complex was supplemented with a second apparatus with similar functions.
As reported, after the modernization of "Vityaz-D" has passed the necessary checks and is ready for full operation and use for its intended purpose. Where and when it is going to be used has not yet been reported. But the known information about the capabilities of the complex, its work in the past and the tasks already completed allow us to make the most optimistic forecasts.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Central Design Bureau MT "Rubin", FPI
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