LORIENT, France, — French autonomous underwater vehicle manufacturer SEABER has introduced RAVEN, a compact autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed for naval mine countermeasures (MCM), seabed surveys and underwater inspections. The company aims to offer performance comparable to high-end conventional AUVs at approximately one-third of their price.
RAVEN weighs 13 kilograms, has a hull diameter of 12 centimetres and measures between 131 and 137 centimetres in length. It can be deployed and recovered by a single operator, dive to depths of 300 metres, travel at speeds of 3–6 knots and operate for up to eight hours.
Two Configurations for Underwater Detection
SEABER offers RAVEN in two configurations, both equipped with side-scan sonar operating at either 600/1200 kHz or 900/1800 kHz to produce acoustic images of the seabed.
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RAVEN SCAN-MAG: Equipped with a magnetometer to detect and locate submerged metallic objects, including naval mines and shipwrecks.
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RAVEN SCAN-LUMEN: Features a high-definition camera and a 24,000-lumen lighting system to visually inspect objects previously identified on the seabed, including in dark underwater environments.
During mine countermeasure missions, RAVEN can autonomously survey potentially mined waters and record the coordinates of suspicious objects. Clearance divers or specialised underwater disposal vehicles can then use this information to inspect and neutralise identified mines.
The platform can also support seabed mapping, underwater inspections and scientific surveys.
LYNX Navigation and Communication Systems
RAVEN uses SEABER’s proprietary LYNX optical-based inertial navigation system (INS) alongside a Doppler velocity log (DVL), which measures the vehicle’s movement relative to the seabed.
According to the company, positioning drift remains below 0.2 per cent of the distance travelled on straight-line trajectories, equivalent to approximately two metres per kilometre. The navigation system is designed to maintain accurate underwater positioning, where satellite navigation signals are unavailable.
Before diving, a dual-antenna global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver establishes the vehicle’s initial position. The receiver includes anti-jamming features intended to support operations in contested environments.
Underwater communication and tracking are provided by an acoustic modem with a reported range of 2–3 kilometres, using SEABER’s SEAPLAN software. When operating on the surface, RAVEN uses a UHF radio link with a range of up to five kilometres and Iridium satellite communications.
The vehicle also features infrared LEDs to support discreet recovery at night. These lights are visible through night-vision equipment.
SEABER Targets the Defence Market
RAVEN follows SEABER’s YUCO range of micro-AUVs and its MARVEL range for defence applications. The company, based in Lorient in France’s Brittany region, reports having sold more than 200 unmanned underwater vehicles across international markets through its distributor network. It has also supplied lightweight mine-countermeasure systems to several European navies.
SEABER President Vidal Teixeira said the company intends to make advanced underwater detection and inspection capabilities more accessible.
“With RAVEN, our ambition is simple: to deliver the performance of the best conventional AUVs at one-third of their price,” Teixeira stated.
The company has not announced a specific price, named launch customers or provided a delivery schedule for RAVEN. Its stated pricing target and combination of sonar, magnetic detection, visual inspection and navigation capabilities position the vehicle as a new option for naval mine-countermeasure and seabed survey operations.
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