Navy buys Hydroid mine-detection units

Hydroid LLC said today that a branch of the US Navy has purchased four additional Swordfish systems for spotting and mapping mines in shallow waters.

Located in the Pocasset section of Bourne, Hydroid makes autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) named REMUS for remote-environmental measuring units.

In 2004, Hyrdoid said it signed a six-year contract with NAVSEA, a branch of the Navy, with a total ceiling of $32 million.

A Swordfish system is comprised of three AUVs custom configured to meet Navy specifications, Hydroid said.

The Swordfish system is designed for so-called "search-classify-map" missions in very shallow waters to support such operations as amphibious landings, the company said.

"Orders for additional units show the high level of satisfaction with the Swordfish systems," Hydroid president Christopher von Alt said in a statement.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)