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Israel Develops the BlueWhale Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Revolutionizing Naval Combat
Posted: Nov 26, 2023
BlueWhale has been specifically designed for discreet intelligence-gathering missions, aimed at detecting submarines and acquiring valuable acoustic intelligence. The new development offers an unparalleled advantage in safeguarding national security.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has introduced its groundbreaking achievement in naval combat technology with the unveiling of the BlueWhale Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). This unmanned submarine marks a significant leap forward in Israel's maritime capabilities.
The BlueWhale AUV has undergone extensive testing, successfully conducting thousands of hours of submerged and autonomous operations. Its primary objective is to conduct covert intelligence-gathering missions, specifically aimed at detecting submarines and gathering acoustic intelligence. Equipped with advanced radar and electro-optical systems mounted on a telescopic mast, the BlueWhale AUV can effectively detect sea and coastal targets.
The BlueWhale AUV is equipped with dedicated sonars, enabling the detection of both manned and unmanned submarines, as well as the mapping of mines on the seabed. With a special sensor suite, the submarine can transit safely both below and near the sea surface. These capabilities make the BlueWhale AUV an indispensable asset for maritime operations, providing homeland security solution companies with advanced tools to enhance their surveillance and defense capabilities.
IAI's BlueWhale AUV represents an extension of its maritime capabilities, specifically tailored to address the needs of homeland security solution companies. It is part of the company's comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) solutions, which includes manned and unmanned platforms, coastal radars, system suits for patrol vessels, and information systems that support intelligence collection, processing, and dissemination. By incorporating the BlueWhale AUV into their portfolio, homeland security solution companies can enhance their capabilities in maritime surveillance and defense.
The BlueWhale AUV operates similarly to manned submarines, gathering intelligence above the sea surface, detecting submarines and underwater targets, and collecting acoustic intelligence. Additionally, it performs vital mine detection operations using a dedicated synthetic aperture sonar, further allowing for identification and neutralization of potential threats in their maritime domains.
One of the key advantages of the BlueWhale AUV is its autonomous operation. It can perform a significant portion of the tasks typically conducted by manned submarines for extended periods, up to several weeks, without the need for human operators on board. This autonomy not only reduces operational costs and maintenance requirements but also acts as a reliable and efficient tool to enhance their maritime security operations.
Yoav Tourgeman, Vice President of IAI and CEO of ELTA, emphasizes the significance of the BlueWhale AUV in IAI's family of maritime products. It serves as a force multiplier for submarine fleets and complements other solutions designed for managing autonomous vessels and monitoring the maritime arena. By incorporating the BlueWhale AUV into their offerings, homeland security solution companies can strengthen their capabilities and provide comprehensive homeland security solutions.
The introduction of the BlueWhale AUV revolutionizes Israel's capabilities in naval combat and intelligence gathering, particularly for homeland security solution companies. As this unmanned submarine joins the ranks of IAI's maritime products, it strengthens Maritime Domain Awareness and offers an unparalleled advantage in safeguarding national security. The BlueWhale AUV paves the way for future developments in autonomous underwater systems, further solidifying Israel's position at the forefront of maritime technology for homeland security solution companies focused on safeguarding their shores.
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