VideoRay LLC secured a $92.6 million USD five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract to produce, maintain, and enhance the MK20 Defender remotely operated vehicle (ROV) platform for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR).
This agreement grants access to VideoRay’s Mission Specialist family of underwater robotic systems, supporting the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Underwater Response Vehicle program and the MESR program of record.
Administered by Naval Information Warfare Command, Pacific, the contract facilitates the provision and upkeep of advanced ROVs for executing vital underwater missions essential to supporting military personnel.
The Challenge
The MESR program of the U.S. Navy aims to enhance the operational capabilities of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, with the Mission Specialist Defender forming the foundation of the MK20 Defender ROV initiative.
The primary challenge involves efficiently detecting, identifying, neutralizing, and recovering underwater mines, particularly in high-threat environments such as maritime conflict zones. These operations demand state-of-the-art technology capable of reliable performance in hostile underwater conditions.
The Solution
The Mission Specialist Defender from VideoRay addresses the hazardous requirements of U.S. Navy EOD missions by mitigating risks to personnel, minimizing injuries, and reducing equipment damage. Its modular and open systems architecture enables the seamless integration of diverse third-party sensors and payloads.
This design facilitates rapid component repair or replacement in the field, highlighting the system’s practicality under demanding conditions. The modular configuration also allows for system upgrades as new technologies emerge.
The Defender’s capabilities are continually enhanced with cutting-edge innovations from VideoRay Labs, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D visualization and reconstruction, simulation, and man-machine teaming. These features empower the Defender ROVs to execute missions with greater autonomy, safety, and efficiency.
VideoRay’s partnerships with various collaborators and component manufacturers accelerate the development of the Defender systems. These advancements include autonomous detection and neutralization of underwater mines, extended operational depth capabilities, options for battery-powered units, and long-distance untethered underwater communication.
The Defender’s compact, single-operator deployable design, combined with its versatility, power, and dependability, makes it an key asset for critical EOD operations, reducing operational costs while simplifying logistics.
Weighing 17.2 kilograms (38 pounds), the Defender is VideoRay’s largest and most powerful system, optimized for precise maneuvering and heavier payloads. Its seven thrusters enable it to withstand currents of up to four knots and operate at depths reaching 1,000 meters.
Conclusion
VideoRay’s Defender underwater robots have emerged as an ideal solution for the U.S. Navy, due to their advanced technological features, adaptability, and durability.
The company’s dedication to customer support, with training facilities located on both the East and West coasts of the United States, and its commitment to modular design principles have reportedly earned praise from the Navy.
Through strategic collaborations and ongoing research and development, VideoRay is ensuring that the Defender remains a versatile and dependable tool for tackling challenging EOD underwater missions.
