The underwater domain has long been riddled with the threats of sea mines, posing a grave danger to marine cables, infrastructure, and vessels. French defense company Thales, in an unprecedented move, has introduced a groundbreaking solution to tackle this menacing issue. Their autonomous boat, steered by operators on land, is equipped with an Underwater Autonomous System (UAS), a unique drone adept at detecting and neutralizing underwater mines without any human intervention beneath the waves. Using advanced multi-aspect sonar and artificial intelligence, the drone identifies potential threats, enabling the remote operator to confirm and then neutralize the mine.
Upon detection, the drone attaches a charge to the mine, releasing a surface tag as a warning before the subsequent detonation, thus clearing the threat without risking human lives. This avant-garde technology has secured contracts from the UK and France, with each system encompassing the drone, the unmanned vessel, and the sophisticated control systems operated by trained professionals.
Remarkably, upon delivery, which can be executed by air or sea, these systems can be made operational within a mere 24 hours. This swift deployment ensures minimal human risk and is a testament to technological advancements aimed at safeguarding human lives. Given the precarious situation with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the heightened need for maritime security, such innovations become crucial. For nations like Ukraine, this technology could be indispensable in ensuring safer sea routes, protecting infrastructure, and preventing the unforeseen dangers of floating mines.
Join our RU-vid channel by clicking here: bit.ly/3asNo2n
Find us on Instagram: bit.ly/3PM21xW
Find us on Facebook: bit.ly/3t2Huvb
Find us on Twitter: bit.ly/3wQfXzA
Find us on TikTok: bit.ly/3wNsBOu
Get the latest stories: interestingengineering.com/
Support IE for high-quality journalism: interestingengineering.com/su...
2 сен 2023
