Unmanned Vehicles Underway in 2018

BlueZone Group companies have amassed significant experience in the support of Unmanned Vehicles for maritime operations for Australian applications.

The first Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was introduced to the Australian market in 1976 by BlueZone company, Underwater Video Systems (UVS). The RCV-225 ROV with 400m depth capability was supplied and operated in the Bass Strait in support of Australia’s first Offshore Oil & Gas operations. True to a philosophy of “supporting what you sell”,  technicians attended training in the USA on then innovative technology such as microprocessors that enabled the first ROVs.

In 2000 a complete support capability for the Saab “Double Eagle” was established to support Navy operation of ROVs for Mine Counter Measures. The Double Eagle remains the leading all-electric ROV for MCM identification and clearance operations with many years of reliable service in the harsh ocean conditions around the Australian continent.

2011 saw the introduction of the game-changing Wave Glider Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). By continuously harvesting energy from the environment, Wave Gliders are able to travel long distances, hold station, and monitor vast areas without ever needing to refuel. BlueZone provides support for Wave Gliders in Australia including integration of customer-specific payloads for Defence and other applications.

The promise of unmanned systems is for removing personnel from the dull, dangerous and dirty work required for many Defence and maritime operations. After years of development and lessons learned the capability of unmanned systems for maritime applications may be fully realised in 2018 with major Defence exercises planned. BlueZone Group is ready as an experienced and reliable support partner to support our customers in Defence and other markets. Check out our range on unmanned vehicles for remotely-operated or autonomous applications on the sea surface or underwater  in our Product Catalogue: https://bluezonegroup.com.au/product-catalogue

Double Eagle support for the RAN since 2000 includes 136 overhauls of Mine Disposal Vehicles and overhaul and refurbishment of other system components.

The Teledyne Oceanscience Z-Boat USV enables remote-control or autonomous data collection and survey in rivers, lakes and coastal locations.