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The Bluefin-21 is a highly modular autonomous underwater vehicle able to carry multiple sensors and payloads at once. It boasts a high energy capacity that enables extended operations even at the greatest depths. The Bluefin-21 has immense capability but is also flexible enough to operate from various ships of opportunity worldwide. |
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FREE-FLOODED MODULARITY – The vehicle design includes swappable payload sections and battery modules for in-field mission reconfiguration. Subsystems can be quickly accessed for rapid turnaround between missions and also allow for in-field maintenance, accelerating operational tempo. EFFICIENT WORKHORSE – The Bluefin-21 is an efficient, deep-rated AUV able to execute surveys with demanding requirements typically addressed by larger, more cumbersome platforms. Its small size and ability to be launched and recovered from a simple A-frame or docking head allow it to take advantage of ships of opportunity. ACCURATE NAVIGATION – The Bluefin-21 uses an INS to provide the best possible navigation accuracy. Dead reckoning drift is typically less than 0.1% of distance traveled, yielding higher quality data. USBL aiding further improves navigation accuracy. AIR-SHIPPABLE – The vehicle, batteries and support equipment can be broken down and packaged into easily transportable sections, making the system ideal for time-critical and remote operations.
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Visit the Gallery tab for photos and data samples. |
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| Diameter | 21 in (53 cm) |
| Length | 16.2 ft (493 cm) |
| Weight (Dry) | 1,650 lb (750 kg) |
| Buoyancy | ~ 16 lb (7.3 kg) net positive |
| Lift Points | 1 (located mid-vehicle) |
| Depth Rating | 14,763 ft (4,500 m) |
| Endurance | 25 hours @ 3 knots with standard payload |
| Speed | Up to 4.5 knots |
| Energy | 13.5 kWh of total energy Nine 1.5 kWh battery packs Lithium-polymer, pressure-tolerant |
| Propulsion | Gimbaled, ducted thruster for propulsion and control |
| Navigation | Real-time accuracy ≤ 0.1% of D.T. CEP 50 INS, DVL, SVS and GPS USBL tracking with vehicle position updates |
| Antenna | Integrated — GPS, RF, Iridium and strobe |
| Communications | RF, Iridium and acoustic; Ethernet via shore power cable |
| Safety Systems | Fault and leak detection, dropweight, acoustic tracking transponder, strobe, RDF and Iridium (all independently powered) |
| Software | GUI-based Operator Tool Suite |
| Data Management | 4 GB flash drive for vehicle data Plus additional payload storage |
| Standard Payloads (others available) |
EdgeTech 2200-M 120/410 kHz side scan sonar (option: EdgeTech 230/850 kHz dynamically focused) EdgeTech DW-216 sub-bottom profiler Reson 7125 400 kHz multibeam echosounder |
| For information on the BPAUV configuration, please download the Bluefin-21 BPAUV Product Sheet. | |
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