The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has funded for the development of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) vehicle inspired by the agility, propulsion and natural design of tuna fish. Developed by Boston Engineering Corporation Advanced Systems Group (ASG) in Waltham, Massachusetts, this UUV called the BIOSwimmer is specifically designed to overcome the disability of such similar projects to have high maneuverability in the harshest of conditions. Having flexible aft section and aptly placed pectoral and fins this bionic tuna fish rides the waters with ease just like the real one.
BIOSwimmer will come handy for missions that require precision movement which is unachievable by underwater probes and especially for inspection of voids of ships, sea chests, flooded bilges or probably the steerage. Equipped with interchangeable sensor payloads and reconfigurable Operator Controls it can be optimized for any kind of tactical mission underawater according to Mike Rufo, director of ASG. The power for this artificial tuna probe comes from batteries made to last for long-duration operations and the on board computer suite for navigation, sensor processing and communications provides all the necessary control.
Via: EScienceNews
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