The Double Eagle semiautonomous remotely operated vehicle (SAROV) is an advanced hybrid system designed for detection and disposal operations. In the SAROV configuration, the vehicle serves dual roles as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for detection, classification, and identification, as well as a remotely operated vehicle for mine disposal, Naval Technology reports.
The vehicle was developed by Saab, a defence company based in Sweden. It is part of the company’s Double Eagle family of underwater vehicles, which are utilised by navies worldwide to support mine countermeasure (MCM) missions.
Other Double Eagle products include the mine disposal system, multi-shot mine neutralisation system, and the DAMDIC mine disposal charge system.
Double Eagle semiautonomous remotely operated vehicle design and features
The Double Eagle SAROV is 3m in length, 1.3m in width, and 0.8m in height. It has an operational depth capability of 300m.
Weighing approximately 730kg in air, the SAROV is designed to be slightly buoyant in water. It can be installed on ships or deployed as a fully containerised unit.
Furthermore, the manoeuvrable vehicles can be deployed from any type of ship, from shore, or available craft.
All Double Eagle systems fit into a standard container, offering a deployable solution across various platforms and enabling quick responses to mine threats.
Double Eagle SAROV operational capabilities
The Double Eagle semiautonomous remotely operated vehicle’s durable design, mission modularity, and long-term reliability make it well-suited for a range of operations, including underwater surveys, identification, detection of underwater objects, and rapid environment assessment missions, in addition to mine disposal.
On the ship, a dedicated operator prepares missions and operates the deployed vehicle. The SAROV system can be fully integrated with the ship’s combat management system or operated independently using its built-in software.
As an AUV, the vehicle can operate independently from the ship with obstacle avoidance capabilities. It can perform MCM missions based on pre-planned instructions downloaded before launch or transmitted via wireless communication while surfaced.
Performance
The Double Eagle SAROV has a forward speed range of zero to 6 knots and a maximum forward thrust of 2,500N.
Equipment installed
The Double Eagle SAROV is equipped with essential onboard equipment, including a winch, tether, and cradle for vehicle storage. Launch and recovery operations are facilitated using the ship’s crane or specialised launch and recovery systems.
It can operate as an ROV with two types of tethers. One is a thin fibre tether for real-time communication and long-range missions (more than 3km), with the vehicle powered by its internal battery.
The other is a combined power and communication tether, typically 1,000m long, for extended endurance missions.
Double Eagle SAROV orders
In February 2020, Saab received an order from Poland for the delivery of Double Eagle SAROV systems for use in MCM operations.
The order was placed by Osrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej, a member of a Polish consortium, which is responsible for building the Polish Navy’s Kormoran II-class MCM minehunters.
The Double Eagle SAROV systems are delivered for the minehunters and are integrated with CTM’s SCOT CMS and tailored to the Polish Navy’s requirements.
Saab received an order from Poland for additional Double Eagle SAROV vehicles in October 2022.
The delivery of these vehicles is scheduled to coincide with the arrival of three new Kormoran II-class vessels for the Polish Navy during 2026-2027.
In December 2023, Saab secured a contract from the US Navy to supply the Kuwait Naval Force with a Double Eagle SAROV, under a foreign military sales programme.
