VideoRay ROV Tapped for Navy Mine Countermeasure Prototype Program

AeroVironment has announced that its subsidiary VideoRay is supporting an AEVEX-led team selected for a prototype agreement following the US Navy and Defense Innovation Unit’s Mine Countermeasure Modernization Prize Challenge. The challenge sought mature, communications-resilient and rapidly fieldable commercial capabilities for mine countermeasure missions in contested environments. During testing, VideoRay demonstrated an autonomous mine countermeasure ROV launched from an unmanned surface vessel, with operators conducting missions over the horizon.

 

Details of the Selection

 

VideoRay has been tapped for a programme. It supports an AEVEX-led team. This team was selected for an agreement. This is a prototype agreement. It followed a Navy challenge.

The challenge was significant. It was a mine countermeasure challenge. The Navy and an innovation unit ran it. Three companies won prizes. These followed Navy demonstrations.

 

The Challenge Goals

 

The challenge sought specific capabilities. These were mature capabilities. They had to be communications-resilient. Rapid fieldability was also required. These suit contested environments.

The challenge targeted mine missions. These include bottom mine neutralisation. Near-surface neutralisation also features. These occur in contested waters. This defined the challenge.

 

The Demonstration

 

VideoRay demonstrated its capability. It showed an autonomous ROV. This was launched from a surface vessel. An autonomous launch system featured. Operators worked over the horizon.

The demonstration was comprehensive. It covered vessel transit. Station keeping also featured. ROV launch and recovery was shown. Target investigation and neutralisation completed it.

 

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The Platform

 

The system centres on a specific platform. This is Mission Specialist Defender. It is modular and open-architecture. It supports intervention missions. It integrates third-party payloads.

The platform has a strong track record. The Navy selected it before. It is the base for another ROV. This supports an expeditionary programme. A major contract backs it.

 

The Operational Value

 

The system offers operational value. Company leadership cited this. It is a modular underwater platform. It integrates with surface vessels. It also integrates with payloads.

The system keeps operators safe. It allows complex missions. Operators remain outside the threat area. This is a key benefit. It protects warfighters.

 

Significance of the Selection

 

The selection reflects a broader trend. Company leadership cited commercial technology. It can move to operational use. This occurs at pace. The Navy demonstrated this.

The challenge aims for integration. Winning systems will join the Fleet. These become mine countermeasure kits. This transitions commercial technology. It supports operational use.