Quincy, MA, USA15 April 2011Bluefin Robotics, a leader in the design and manufacturing of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), is being awarded a subcontract from Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems, Inc., the world leader in expendable acoustic countermeasures for submarines and surface ships. Bluefin will support Ultra in the development, design, fabrication, integration, and testing of the acoustic device countermeasure (ADC) MK 5 with a particular responsibility of providing the mobility subsystem. The ADC will be an acoustic torpedo countermeasure with advanced features that can be employed either as a static or mobile device. It will replace the legacy MK 2 and MK 3 torpedo countermeasures and improve the defense of Navy submarines against acoustic homing torpedoes.
"Bluefin's outstanding AUV track record will contribute greatly to our teams ability to provide a system that addresses the Navys torpedo countermeasure needs," said Mr. David Howard, Vice President Business Development of Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems Inc. "We look forward to integrating Bluefins extensive subsea navigation and control development capability into our countermeasure development team to deliver an improved critical capability for the US Navy."
The ADC MK 5 program marks an expansion of the Bluefin product line which currently includes five different AUV models. The company will draw from already proven technology used in their larger AUVs to develop the 3-inch diameter, low-cost, expendable device. Having moved into a new 55,000-square-foot facility in November 2010, Bluefin is well-positioned to produce the 100 units called for under the initial contract.
The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
ABOUT BLUEFIN ROBOTICS
Bluefin Robotics manufactures and develops Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) systems and technology. Founded in 1997, the company has grown to become a world leader in AUV products designed for defense, commercial, and scientific applications. Bluefin Robotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Battelle. For more information, please visit www.bluefinrobotics.com.
ABOUT ULTRA ELECTRONICS OCEAN SYSTEMS, INC.
Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems, Inc. (UEOSI) is a technology company with a 50-year history of delivering affordable innovative solutions to TEAMSUBs most challenging acoustic transduction and countermeasure requirements. At UEOSI, based out of Braintree, MA USA, we have a successful legacy of consistently demonstrating our ability to design, develop and manufacture products meeting the most severe military environments and requirements, while maintaining functional integrity and a resultant quality product. Core capabilities include: underwater acoustics, low cost expendable designs, electronic and mechanical packaging, expendable batteries, hydrodynamics and aerodynamics, signal processing, beam forming, sensor and array design. For more information visit www.ultra-os.com or contact Greg Hunter at (781) 794-3777 or at greg.hunter@ultra-os.com.