Underwater Drones Akua Series UUVsAll of the Akua UUVs are highly modular and the user is able to customize a myriad of options that enable diverse operations like civilian industrial purposes such as rapid seabed scanning, and pollutant detection; to military applications like reconnaissance, ‘hunt and neutralize’, ASW, and heavy ordnance delivery. A basic sonar package and collision avoidance system is standard on all.
The modular systems include optical/sonar surveillance and recording gear, BK-7 mini-torpedoes on certain models, and even the NEDI F99 flechette gun for defense against enemy frogmen, which is mounted on the A2 model.
Both the A2 and A3 are also UAV capable for short periods, with turbo rockets installed enabling them to break the water surface and take to the air for a brief period to scan the surface and horizon or enable another angle of delivery, much like a flying fish might skip into the air. However, constant airborne use will significantly decrease battery life.
Reloading of munitions is relatively easy and fast with trained crews and enables a quick turnaround for continuous rotating delivery of payloads on targets using multiple UUVs.
All Akua UUVs are powered by the proprietary L24T Batterie developed by SDS.
It has an operational area of several 100 kms and 2 weeks without maintenance. The battery operates and recharges itself off seawater sucked into vents in the UUV, which is then filtered at a molecular level to use resultant energy electrodes, and then expels a minimal waste product that has little environmental impact. If regularly maintained, the battery can operate for 8-9 months of continuous use before needing replacement.
A (Akua) 1 - Mantala
(Frandit: Mahn-tah-la
Eng: Manta wing or ray)
The A1 - Mantala is the basic, economic UUV choice, but still very capable with several modular choices for multiple operations. It is perfect for the organization or national military that is seeking a UUV fleet of some quantity, but not compromising quality.
It is a great recon vehicle in order to detect enemy submersibles that would normally avoid most sonar, as well as scanning structures and infrastructure near a target coast, both underwater and from the surface.
In offensive capability, it can hold two mini-torpedoes on wing mounts, or be loaded with explosives to become a one-time maneuverable delivery vehicle against enemy hulls. A small cost to pay to take out an enemy capital ship.
Cost: Basic package $95,000 NSD
Full package: $160,000 NSD
A (Akua) 2 - Kalamoro
(Frandit: Kah-lah-Moh-roh
Eng: Squid)The A2 - Kalamoro is quite the workhorse of the SDS stable of UUVs. It is a very sturdy vehicle and has long endurance with solar cells built in so that it can ride the surface to recharge the lithium battery. The A2 has a robotic arm that is able to be customized to extend out to retrieve organic and geologic samples, or place objects such as limpet mines or to have diamond bladed saws attached for cutting through underwater cables or hulls.
During such operations, the hovering rotors can be engaged to provide for a steady, nearly immobile platform.
For military applications, the A2 can pack two BK-7 class mini-torpedoes, one on each shortened wing.
For defense or offense against enemy underwater drones and frogmen, the A2 is equipped with the NEDI F99 flechette cannon. The F99 can rapidly fire flechettes that are designed to pierce body and vehicle armor with a cyclical rate of 400/min. Short bursts are recommended, however, as the A2 can carry only a limited amount of flechette ammunition.
Cost: Basic package $260,000 NSD (without torpedo mounts, F99 and upgraded surveillance gear)
Full package $420,000 NSD
A (Akua) 3 - Zugan
(Frandit: Zshu-gahn
Eng. Glider)The A3 - Zugan is an unmanned underwater, high speed glider. The Zugan is the fastest UUV model in the SDS inventory and is perfect for maneuvering in hostile waters or rapid delivery. The nose cone can be packed with explosives or a camera and it is able to mount one mini-torpedo for rapid delivery.
Cost: Basic package $150,000 NSD (without torpedo mount and upgraded surveillance gear)
Full package $242,000 NSD