The demonstrations showcased the advanced capabilities of the HUGIN AUVs, which are designed for a variety of maritime operations including Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE), Mine Counter Measures (MCM), Seabed Warfare (SBW), and seafloor mapping. The HUGIN AUVs are renowned for their autonomous functionality, high endurance, and versatility in challenging underwater environments.
One of the key highlights of the demonstration was the HUGIN Endurance, a new model in the HUGIN family, which boasts an impressive 39-foot length, 47-inch diameter, and a 15-day operational endurance. This AUV is capable of unsupervised shore-to-shore operations over a 1,200 nautical mile range. Additionally, the HUGIN Superior, another model demonstrated, is known for its deep-water industry standard performance, with a 22-foot length and a 70-hour endurance, making it ideal for extensive underwater missions.
The successful completion of these demonstrations underscores Kongsberg’s commitment to advancing maritime technology and strengthening defence capabilities. The US Navy’s interest in Kongsberg’s AUVs is part of a broader effort to enhance underwater warfare capabilities, particularly in contested environments where autonomous and long-endurance vehicles play a crucial role.
Kongsberg’s advancements in AUV technology are not only beneficial for defence applications but also have significant implications for commercial sectors such as oil and gas, environmental monitoring, and marine research, where precise and reliable underwater operations are essential.
