‘Neerakshi’ – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for mine detection
Recently India has launched the first of its kind Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) in Kolkata named ‘Neerakshi’ designed for mine detection.
‘Neerakshi’ has been developed by Kolkata-based warship builder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and MSME unit AEP.
Specification:
- The 2.1 m long cylindrical AUV, which weighs around 45 kg, can perform various tasks such as mine detection, disposal and underwater survey.
- Neerakshi platform is a prototype. It can stay underwater for up to four hours, and it can go to a depth of 300 metres.
Significance:
- The process is on to increase the endurance of the AUVs to 200 to 300 per cent, and then they can be deployed in coastal waters to ensure the security of the coast.
- The platform is meant for deployment either from the mother ship or ashore for coastal security.
Source – Hindustan Times
