This rugged AUV provides the capability to collect, rapidly and covertly, high-resolution sidescan sonar, bottom classification and oceanographic data in any area of interest. This long-range MCM capability is designed to be an organic part of the naval forces.
Information is collected autonomously, minimizing the exposure of personnel to danger.
It is possible to perform mapping in a wide range of weather conditions, both at night and during the day, without compromising the accuracy of the data. The success of MCM operations is tremendously improved if appropriate information is available during the planning process. In the planning stage of an operation, it is not unusual for transit routes and marshaling areas to be placed over bottom types which are extremely difficult to clear because of their topography, clutter, or material properties. Often, shifting the operation by as little as one kilometer can dramatically reduce the time required to ensure the safety of landing operations, thus greatly increasing the chance of success. The Bluefin 5000 provides mission planners with the ability to covertly gather accurate bathymetry and bottom classifications for use in the early stages of battle-space preparation.