Italy-based engineering firm Saipem has developed Hydrone-D, a state-of-the-art hybrid autonomous underwater vehicle (HUAV) intended to support the Italian Navy’s future mine countermeasure operations. This underwater drone operates remotely at depths exceeding 600 meters (1,969 feet) and can be deployed from shipborne cranes or docking modules adapted for various vessel types. Hydrone-D is equipped with advanced side-scan sonar systems for seabed mapping and mine detection, along with up to four explosive charges to neutralize hidden naval mines effectively. Its compact dimensions (3.5 meters long and 1.5 meters wide) and modular design enable excellent maneuverability and stealth. The HUAV integrates sophisticated navigation suites including inertial navigation, doppler velocity log, altimeters, and obstacle avoidance sonars, allowing precise underwater positioning and station keeping. Real-time data transmission is enabled through acoustic modems and tethered communication links. Developed by Sonsub, Saipem’s subsea robotics center of excellence, Hydrone-D builds upon a decade of subsea vehicle experience and represents a critical step for Italy’s maritime defense modernization, underpinning minehunter modernization efforts set for forthcoming years.
