China pilot mini-drones test

Researchers at Tianjin University have recently completed a new trial of a new underwater vehicle (UVV), aimed at scientific research, search assistance, relief and military operations.

The UUV was tested as Haiyan . It weighs about 70kg and is smaller in size than the earlier UUVs of China, but there are many improvements. This is a kind of underwater glider , with wings part at tail and some changes in buoyancy from vertical to horizontal movement.

Researchers at Tianjin University are testing the device during the test. (Photo: People's Daily)

The vehicle's operating range is 1,000 km, the underwater maintenance time is 30 days and the speed of travel is about 4 nautical miles per hour. It can determine the journey and transfer data to the terrestrial analysis agency.

According to Popsci, Haiyan is designed to serve civilian purposes such as marine life research, search and rescue support (as Blue Fin 21 equipment is used to search for MH370 aircraft ).

However, with the ability to function independently of the water without human intervention, it can also be used in military operations, including long-term and dangerous missions such as minesweepers. and submarine detection.

In the future, new versions of Haiyan and other potential UUVs could carry out long-term missions of the Chinese Navy. A larger UUV can carry large sensors and even weapons.