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Flying-Swimmer (Flimmer) UAV/UUV

Last updated: 17 Nov 2015

Description
NRL is merging two separate research areas:
1. Unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs)
2. Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs)
 

This will significantly improve tactical availability of UUVs in time critical situations. Common across the services, autonomous vehicles are being seen as an effective projection of force, both above and below the water's surface. Unlike an air-deployed Sonobuoy, ongoing research into novel bio-inspired UUV finned propulsion has potential benefits for autonomous motion beyond the insertion point. This combination of an airplane mode for UUV insertion is the thrust of the Flimmer program.

 
Features
02:25
VIDEO | 02:25 | Flimmer, the Flying, Swimming UAV
 
Background
UUV emplacement speeds are slow when long duration is required whereas UAV speeds are relatively fast and efficient. A flying emplacement is also not affected by high sea currents, opening the options for difficult-to-access areas.

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