A users requirements on an autonomous underwater vehicle system and a proposed development system

The first part of this two part paper will focus on some specific applications for an AUVS as seen from the Swedish Navy point of view. The Swedish Navy has already found the use of ROV:s very cost-and task efficient for certain applications. Future unmanned system requirements will especially focus on: - advanced search and reconnaicance systems - supervisory and guard mission systems. Specific care must also be taken into account regarding existing support ships as well as environmental properties. The Swedish archipelago is quite shallow and the sea floor is often very rocky. The Swedish coastline is also very long which calls for mobile systems. Early this year a one year study program on the development of an AUVS has been established by the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV), The Swedish National Industrial Board and SUTEC. The program is proposed to continue for a further three year prototype development period. The second part will discuss a development program intended to fulfill these requirements as well as having a more general approach providing a very flexible design for various needs and easy future system enhancements. The success of an AUVS development fulfilling these requirements depends heavily on taking advantage of several different technologies. These and various parts of a proposed AUVS will be discussed as well as alternative choices where applicable.