A18-M French Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

A18-M

Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

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A18-M French Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) (A)TRADOC ODIN WEG

Basic Information

Name

A18-M French Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

Designation

A18-M

Alternate Designation

A18-M

Equipment Type

Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV)

Manufacturer

Exail

Date of Introduction

2018

Description

The A18-M French Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a mid-size Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) developed by Exail (formerly ECA Group) specifically designed for underwater mine countermeasure (MCM) missions. The system represents the latest generation of French autonomous underwater assets and exemplifies modern third-generation mine countermeasure capabilities that transition military mine warfare operations to drone-based systems. The vehicle employs modular design techniques, enabling significant deployment flexibility across various platforms and mission configurations. Its compact structure allows it to be deployed from small platforms including unmanned surface vessels (USVs), frigates, corvettes, and even shore-based operations. The A18-M provides several significant tactical advantages for mine countermeasure operations. Its high stability and low susceptibility to wave effects compared to surface vessels or towed systems enable superior environmental data acquisition and high-resolution imagery. The vehicle's ability to adapt operating depth down to 300 meters avoids blind zones caused by sound velocity stratification, providing complete seafloor coverage. Embedded Automatic Target Detection (ATD) and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) systems enhance operational effectiveness. The platform can safely operate in proximity to sophisticated mines without triggering them while keeping crew and vessels out of danger zones. Its capacity to operate multiple AUVs in parallel allows simultaneous mission execution, reducing total mission duration by approximately three times compared to conventional systems.

System

Alternative Designation A18-M

Type Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

Builder Exail

Crew Unmanned

Payload and Sensor Systems The A18-M features remarkable payload flexibility and hosts multiple advanced sensor systems optimized for mine detection and environmental assessment. Video equipment and HD video cameras for detailed visual documentation. Forward-looking sonar for obstacle avoidance and situational awareness. CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) instrument. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). Turbidity measurement equipment.

Optional Tracking Systems The A18-M can be equipped with either ultra-short baseline (USBL) or long baseline (LBL) acoustic positioning systems depending on mission requirements. naval-technology.

Navigation and Communication Systems The vehicle features integrated inertial navigation systems (INS), military-grade GNSS, GPS, and Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) for accurate autonomous navigation. Communication infrastructure includes Wi-Fi, Ethernet, acoustic methods, and satellite communication capabilities to maintain connectivity with command centers. Safety systems encompass emergency pingers, fault and leak detection mechanisms, and strobe lights that alert personnel to operational emergencies. The A18-M's advanced embedded processing enables real-time processing of raw sonar image data. Upon surfacing, pre-processed data can be transmitted to command centers, with unmanned surface vessels or UAVs acting as communication gateways to expedite decision-making and enable parallel mission coordination.

Launch and Recovery System (LARS) The vehicle features an innovative Launch and Recovery System (LARS) enabling deployment from small rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) even in high sea states. Its 370 kg weight and transportable dimensions allow air deployment for distant missions and ISO container transportation for overseas operations. The AUV can operate from the Inspector 125 MCM vessel, non-dedicated ships, or directly from shore, providing maximum operational flexibility.

Dimensions

Length 4.5 m

Diameter 46.5 cm

Weight 370 kg

Propulsion System

Engine Name INA

Engine Type INA

Engine Power 10.6 kWh

Area Coverage Rate The A18-M possesses exceptional operational range capabilities, capable of covering 20–40 km² depending on transit distance.

Maximum Speed 6 knots

Nominal Speed 4 knots

Maximum Operating Depth 300 m

Endurance Up to 24 hours at 3 knots

Sonar Systems

Umisas Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) The vehicle integrates Exail's patented Umisas Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) offering unprecedented high-resolution imaging with a maximum swath of 2 × 265 m and along-track resolution ranging from 3 cm to 220 m. The interferometric SAS (InSAS) configuration provides spatial resolution of 3 cm × 3 cm, enabling precise classification of small and irregularly shaped objects. Alternative payload options include Volume Search Sonar (VSS) systems.

Protection

Hull Steel

Countermeasures INA

Image Sources

Notes https://www.exail.com/product/a18-m-autonomous-underwater-vehicle

Details

Country of Origin France

Category Naval

Naval

Classification

Domain

Naval & Littoral

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

4.5 m

Width

0.47 m

Height

—

Weight

370 kg

Operators (1)

France

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