Tianjin University researchers and engineers test the Haiyan, China's first underwater gliding UUV. [File Photo: Chinanews.com]

Researchers with China's Tianjin University have completed a sea test of the autonomous underwater unmanned vehicle (UUV) Haiyan in the South China Sea, the Qingdao News reports.

During the test, the vehicle worked consecutively for 21 days and reached a depth of 1094 meters. With an endurance of 30 days, the torpedo-shaped vehicle propelled at a maximum underwater speed of close to 6 kilometers per hour.

The Haiyan is currently a civilian platform, targeted for purposes of scientific exploration of marine biology, seabeds and to aid search and rescue missions.

The UUV can also be upgraded by the Chinese navy to serve as a underwater combat and patrol robot, taking on lengthy and dangerous missions like minesweeping and submarine detection, and offer protection for Chinese ships and oil platforms.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)