A semi-autonomous vehicle for searching and identifying sea mines and dangerous objects will be designed at the Gdańsk University of Technology. The National Center for Research and Development allocated over PLN 8.6 million for the construction of “Tukan”.

It is not the first invention of this type designed by scientists from the Gdańsk University of Technology. Earlier; earlier they developed “Ukwiał” anti-mine defense system, used on ships of the Polish Navy since the end of the 1990s, and a remotely controlled underwater vehicle for detecting and destroying mines “Gluptak”.

Natalia Jasiewicz, the constructor of the Deep-Sea Technology Laboratory of the Gdańsk University of Technology emphasizes that the NCBR grant will allow continuing research in underwater systems to enhance a new vehicle with completely new possibilities than in the Gluptak OPM system, which is already in service with the Navy.

The latest project concerns the process of detection, classification and identification of sea mines and improvised explosives using remotely and automatically controlled underwater vehicles. The reconnaissance vehicle will be adapted to launch from the manned surface and radio-controlled unmanned surface platforms. The project will be implemented at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Shipbuilding at Gdańsk University.

The funds in the amount of over PLN 8.6 million will be allocated to the construction of a prototype of a vehicle enabling the unmanned performance of the OPM mine defense tasks, in particular the recognition and identification of mine-like objects (MILCO – Mine Like Contact).

For increasing operational capabilities, the vehicle will be equipped with specialized sensors and software to detect such objects. The aim of the work of the research team is also to increase the range and resistance, as well as to ensure a high degree of automation of traffic control.

The project “Development of an underwater semi-autonomous vehicle for the search and identification of sea mines and dangerous objects, code name TUKAN” is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Intelligent Development Program. Its implementation will last three years.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński