Saab has received a US Navy contract for a Double Eagle Semi-Autonomous Remotely Operated Vehicle (SAROV) for the Kuwait Naval Force via the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism.
The Double Eagle family of undersea vehicles is a safe and operationally proven ROV system used by navies around the world for mine countermeasure (MCM) missions. In the SAROV configuration the vehicle can be used both as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for detection, classification and identification of mine threats, as well as an ROV for mine disposal.
When used as an ROV the Double Eagle SAROV usually operates via one of two tethers: either a thin fibre-optic tether for real-time communication on long-range missions (>3 km) with power supplied by an internal battery; or through a combined power and communication tether with a standard length of 1,000 m for endurance-demanding missions. However, the SAROV can also be operated without a tether, further increasing its range and delivering a truly hybrid capability.
Double Eagle ROVs are highly manoeuvrable and can be launched from any type of ship, from the shore, or from a craft of opportunity. All Double Eagle systems can be housed in a standard container, providing a deployable solution across a variety of platforms that enables a rapid response to mine threats.
Double Eagle vehicles are 3 m long, 1.3 m wide, 0.8 m in depth and weigh around 730 kg. They have a forward speed of up to 6 kt (11 km/h) and can operate down to a depth of 300 m.
Although this latest Double Eagle unit is destined for Kuwait, Saab considers the sale as a milestone in expanding its technology into the United States. The Autonomous and Undersea Systems Division of the company’s US subsidiary, Saab Inc, will produce parts for the Kuwaiti system in close collaboration with other Saab production sites in Sweden, the United Kingdom and Denmark.
The value of the contract was not disclosed.
“We’re excited to introduce production of this undersea vehicle capability to the United States,” Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the US, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The Autonomous and Undersea Systems team has established both a highly experienced team of undersea vehicle experts and significant new production capabilities for Saab that position us for greater US market expansion.”
“Saab’s journey in the Middle East has seen growth over the years. Today, we extend our partnerships in Kuwait, leveraging a highly capable, robust solution,” added Killian Swift, executive vice president and head of region for the Middle East and Africa at Saab. “Committed to excellence, we are dedicated to delivering substantial value and enhanced offerings, ensuring we consistently meet and exceed our customers’ evolving requirements.”
