Double Eagle Mk II

HMAS Huon recovers its Double Eagle Unmanned Underwater Vehicle following a successful mine shape identification.

The Royal Australian Navy's Huon Class minehunter, coastal vessels are fitted with a pair of electrically powered Saab Double Eagle Mk. II remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) for mine disposal. The Double Eagle is equipped with a searchlight, closed-circuit low light television camera and an on-board close range identification sonar. Commands are relayed via a fibre optic link inside the vehicle's 1000 metre tether, which also relays sensor images for display on the ship's multifunction console in the operations room.

Each Double Eagle ROV is fitted with either a disposal charge slung beneath or an explosive or mechanical cutter designed to sever the wire rope or chain holding moored mines.

Specifications

TypeUnmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV)
ClassRemotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
RoleMine identification/Mine disposal
BuilderSAAB
Length2.2 metres
Beam1.3 metres
Speed6 knots (maximum)
Range500 metres (operational depth)
Physical countermeasuresDisposal charge
SonarsClose range identification sonar
Electro-optic systemsClosed-circuit, low light colour camera

Function

Underwater vehicle