Equipment Agency prepares standards for UUV modules by December next year
The Acquisition and Logistics Agency will modularize the autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that is under research and development, and standardize the equipment specifications with those of commercial products. The aim is to make it easier to use the technology of private manufacturers and to lower the unit price through mass production through standardization. Almost 100% of Japan's defense equipment is for the domestic market, and due to budgetary constraints, the number of units produced is small, and the unit price tends to rise. The Armament Agency believes that by moving away from small-lot production by domestic UUV manufacturers, not only will it lead to cost reductions, but it will also have the effect of stabilizing the supply chain and expanding related markets. [Photo] Inquiries from the Ministry of Defense and the Japan Coast Guard. An amazing drone with a cruising range of 740km. We plan to create a standard document for UUV modules by December 2022, and plan to release it after January 23. The standard will be continuously revised in line with technological progress, and will also reflect the performance evaluation at the Iwakuni Marine Environmental Test and Evaluation Satellite facility in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. A UUV is a remotely operated device that uses sound waves to detect mines and obstacles laid by the enemy in the sea. In addition to underwater and surface surveillance, it can be expected to improve defense capabilities by combining with manned ships. The ship equipment research institute has developed a cylindrical UUV with a total length of about 10 meters and a diameter of 1.8 meters, and is also researching improvements to increase the navigation period to 7 days by extending the central part to a total length of 15 meters or more. During. Except for the head, which consists of a sonar, depth sensor, and speedometer, and the tail, which consists of a propulsion unit and a rudder, the central part is modularized so that it can be used for various missions. In addition to the component equipment, the control software will also be modularized. In addition to defense, it can also be used for ocean observation surveys, expanding its uses. If a private venture develops new technology or equipment, it can respond quickly.
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun