Russian scientists have developed a tiny, remotely piloted underwater drone capable of operating in areas inaccessible to larger vehicles.
"The vehicle's main function is to act as an underwater eye and hand," says a representative of the inventors. "It is capable of inspecting a wide range of objects, from docks and ships to the seabed, and using its arm, it can lift the objects it detects."
The vehicle has a speed of 1.5 meters per second, can carry 1.5 kilograms of payload, and is equipped with a dual-axis arm.
"These vehicles can be used to inspect underwater parts of ships during combat missions or long sea voyages, as well as to clean the rudder and propeller systems. If a bottom mine is discovered, an explosive charge can be planted on it to neutralize it," adds Andrei Kachan, former commander of the Baltic Fleet's Support Flotilla.
