HUGIN Superior AUV Passes U.S. Navy Acceptance Test, Strengthening Undersea Capabilities

KONGSBERG has successfully completed the acceptance testing of its HUGIN Superior Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) for the U.S. Navy, marking a significant milestone just one year after being awarded a 24-month frame contract by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This rapid progress demonstrates the growing importance of advanced unmanned underwater systems in enhancing naval operations.

A Major Asset for the U.S. Navy

The final acceptance tests took place in Norway earlier this year, with the HUGIN Superior AUV now set to be integrated into real-world operations for the U.S. Navy. The vehicle’s advanced capabilities will play a critical role in expanding undersea warfare and intelligence gathering efforts, providing an edge in modern naval operations.

Impressive Speed in Deployment

The quick turnaround from assessment to delivery highlights DIU’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of commercial technology for national security. The rigorous selection process ensured that the HUGIN Superior AUV met the Navy’s high standards.

Rich Patterson, Vice President of Sales for KONGSBERG’s Uncrewed Platforms Division, praised the collaboration, stating:
"We are excited to strengthen our partnership with the U.S. Navy and deliver the cutting-edge capabilities of the HUGIN Superior AUV. The DIU team has played a key role in ensuring a swift technology transfer, and we look forward to valuable operator feedback that will help refine and evolve our product line further."

State-of-the-Art Underwater Technology

The HUGIN Superior AUV has been a proven asset since 2019, serving both commercial and military customers. It offers immediate operational capability for a range of missions, including:

• Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW)
• Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPoE)
• Mine Countermeasures (MCM)
• Inspection of Undersea Infrastructure

With a full ocean depth design, an endurance of over 70 hours, and an exceptional navigation accuracy of less than 0.04% of the distance traveled, the HUGIN Superior leads the large AUV market in reliability and performance. Its advanced suite of mapping and imaging sensors ensures the highest quality data collection.

A Legacy of AUV Innovation

KONGSBERG has been at the forefront of AUV development since the first HUGIN dive in 1993. From record-breaking endurance missions to cutting-edge integration of autonomy, navigation, and battery technology, the HUGIN series continues to set industry standards.

The successful delivery of the HUGIN Superior AUV to the U.S. Navy marks a major step in strengthening underwater defense capabilities. With its proven reliability and advanced features, the system is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding undersea operations for years to come.