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
| Type | Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) |
|---|---|
| Class | Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) |
| Role | Mine identification/Mine disposal |
| Builder | SAAB |
| Length | 2.2 metres |
| Beam | 1.3 metres |
| Speed | 6 knots (maximum) |
| Range | 500 metres (operational depth) |
| Physical countermeasures | Disposal charge |
| Sonars | Close range identification sonar |
| Electro-optic systems | Closed-circuit, low light colour camera |
Function
Underwater vehicle