User:Andyseawright222/sandbox/SeaFox drone

The SeaFox is a remotely operated marine drone released by Atlas Elektronik in 2011 used to detect and neutralize underwater mines as well as perform surveillance tasks. It is mostly used by government organizations, such as the US Navy/Coast Guard, but sees commercial use as well.

An installed "SeaFox system" is comprised of the SeaFox vehicle, a console, and a launcher.

General Description
The SeaFox is a torpedo shaped underwater drone mainly used to detonate underwater mines using an explosive attached to the front of the drone. A camera is attached to the front of the drone that is used for navigating the drone and surveillance missions. A computer console controls the drone and can switch between remote and autopilot modes. The camera feed, control instructions, and other information are sent between the drone and ship via a thin fiber optic cable.

Features
The SeaFox has many features that make it more effective than other unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) in areas such as maneuverability, surveillance, and mine neutralization.

Maneuverability
The SeaFox's streamlined shape and thruster layout give the drone maneuverability, allowing it to move up to 6 knots. The drone also has particularly good control at low speeds compared to UUV' s that steer using fins, and has the ability to "hover" in the water. This ability, along with its precise handling allow the drone to safely navigate in conditions normally dangerous to underwater drones, such as in tides or near mines.

Surveillance
The camera attached to the front of the drone helps it navigate, and allows for live inspection of underwater objects. The camera also has object recognition software that can create CAD models of what is being seen in real time. The camera and sonar technology make the SeaFox useful for a variety of surveillance missions including:
 * Scouting potential ship routes
 * Inspecting the ship's hull damage
 * Detecting mines from over a kilometer away
 * Surveying harbors and ports

Mine Neutralization
Mine neutralization techniques of the SeaFox differ compared to those used by other drones. The SeaFox rams directly into mines to detonate them, whereas other drones often use a guided explosive to detonate them from a distance. The SeaFox detonation strategy has a variety of advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional methods.

Mechanical Description
The maneuverability and surveillance capabilities of the SeaFox are made possible through the implementation of several technologies, such as it's inertial navigation system and use of sonar.

Maneuverability
The SeaFox utilizes a variety of features that help it steer, such as four rear propellers, a vertical thruster, a streamlined exterior for smooth gliding, and an inertial based navigating system with GPS support. The four rear propellers allow it forward and backward motion and assist with steering, whereas the vertical thruster enables it to move up and down. This vertical thruster also allows the drone to "hover" in the water. Although most drones steer utilizing control surfaces, usually observed as fins on the machinery, the inertial based navigating orients the drone using GPS and gyroscopes. This results in the drone being able to automatically update its location with respect to other objects, rather than the operator having to constantly input controls. This allows the drone to maintain a constant distance from an object, which can provide for easier scans.

Surveillance
The SeaFox navigates and detects mines using sonar and other forms of technology. The use of sonar allows it to detect mines from an all encompassing 360 degree peripheral. The drone also automatically switches to the most optimal surveillance methods depending on its distance from the targeted object. A high quality short and long distance CCTV camera with a spotlight can also record real time video for operators to inspect. The drone's CCTV camera system can also build CAD models of objects during a scan. The SeaFox also utilizes an altimeter to determine its height and gauge its distance from the mine.

Usage
Many organizations across multiple countries make use of the SeaFox drone. The US Navy began to make use of the drone after signing a contract with Atlas Elektronik in October 2012. One instance of the US Navy using it was to hunt for Iranian mines at the Persian Gulf in 2012. The drone has also seen use by non-military organizations. For example, port authorities have used it to bolster port security and safety. Environmental agencies utilize drones to monitor wildlife for conservation purposes.

The following organizations have also used the drone:
 * The Royal Navy
 * German Navy
 * US Customs and Immigration