Rapid environmental assessment with autonomous underwater vehicles — Examples from HUGIN operations

The current generations of the HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have been used in a number of Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) missions over the past few years, including participation in several national and international military exercises and operations. This article discusses some of the main advantages and limitations of using AUVs in REA operations. This is followed by examples from actual operations that illustrate the choices and trade-offs that must be made. The article aims to demonstrate that AUVs are mature enough for many types of REA operations.