REMUS (Remote Environmental Monitoring UnitS) is an example of an autonomous ocean sensor. Today, REMUS not only performs rapid environmental surveys, it also functions as an underwater mine reconnaissance tool that operates effectively in shallow water. In Iraq, REMUS was sent out to perform wide area surveys. REMUS is small and light enough (80 lbs) for two men to handle, and can travel up to 60 miles at speeds between 3-5 knots at depths up to 300 feet. It is programmed using a laptop computer, and can employ sound-emitting transponders as navigational reference beacons, or its onboard computer can autonomously select another more appropriate navigation method to use. Once launched, REMUS carries out its programmed assignment, and then makes its way back to the ship for recovery with the data it has collected.
REMUS incorporates real-time, computer-aided detection and computer-aided classifi cation (CAD/CAC) processing, GPS, inertial and baseline navigation, acoustic communication and Iridium/WiFi data relay, dual-frequency side scanning sonar and electro-optical identifi cation sensors for search, classifi cation, bottom mapping, reacquisition and identifi cation of mines and mine-like objects.
REMUS missions are planned using a highly refi ned interface program on a laptop computer, and then transferred to the vehicle before launch. The UUV self-navigates to a designated mission area, and employs its sensors on a pre-planned route to gather information about the environment, including acoustic and electro-optic imagery of the sea bottom. REMUS can be programmed to self-adjust its mission profi le to further investigate and re-image detected bottom objects, or react to new mission profi les remotely transmitted to the vehicle by the tactical decision maker.
REMUS enables the warfi ghter to remotely and clandestinely survey and search the littoral battlespace in support of special operations and amphibious warfare. Additional missions can include search of confi ned areas, such as ports, harbors and anchorages. Standoff deployment of the UUV increases the margin of safety for those historically tasked with such dangerous missions. The capabilities included in the REMUS system also allow the rapid determination of battlespace situation, reducing the traditional time it has taken to prepare the battlespace for special operations missions and amphibious assault.