New Delhi: Flatfish autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is an innovative underwater drone being developed by DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam. The project is part of India’s growing efforts to strengthen indigenous underwater technologies and enhance maritime capabilities without relying on foreign systems.
Unlike traditional submarines that require a crew, Flatfish can operate underwater on its own using pre-programmed instructions. It can carry equipment, collect data, and perform missions without any human onboard.
What Is The Flatfish AUV
Flatfish is an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) developed as a technology demonstrator for underwater operations.
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The vehicle gets its name from its unique flatfish-like shape, which helps it move efficiently underwater. It was designed to carry a significant payload while operating independently beneath the sea surface.
DRDO first publicly disclosed the Flatfish project in 2013. Since then, NSTL has continued working on underwater autonomous technologies to support future naval and scientific missions.
How Does An AUV Work
An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle is essentially an underwater robot. Unlike remotely operated systems that require constant control from operators, an AUV follows a pre-planned route, gathers information, and completes missions with minimal human intervention.
These vehicles are increasingly being used around the world for underwater surveillance, mapping, research, and defense operations.
What are the Specifications Of DRDO Flatfish AUV
According to available information, Flatfish has several notable features:
Design And Dimensions
- Length: Approximately 4.6 meters
- Width: Around 1.6 meters
- Height: About 0.7 meters
- Flatfish-inspired body design for underwater efficiency
Operational Capabilities
- Operational depth of around 300 meters
- Endurance of nearly 8 hours
- Payload capacity of up to 500 kilograms
- Autonomous mission execution capability
Propulsion System
The vehicle reportedly uses multiple thrusters and control surfaces that allow movement in different directions underwater. This design gives Flatfish greater flexibility while navigating beneath the sea.
Advanced Features of DRDO Flatfish AUV
Flatfish can perform missions independently once programmed. This reduces the need for continuous human control and allows operations in challenging underwater environments.
Data Collection And Monitoring
The vehicle can collect underwater information and transmit valuable data for analysis. Such capabilities are useful for both military and civilian applications.
Flexible Mission Roles
Autonomous underwater vehicles can support:
- Seabed mapping
- Bathymetric surveys
- Underwater route inspections
- Environmental monitoring
- Mine-hunting operations
- Maritime surveillance missions
Why Flatfish Matters For India
India has a vast coastline and significant maritime interests. Developing indigenous underwater systems like Flatfish helps reduce dependence on imported technologies and strengthens the country’s self-reliance in critical defense sectors.
The project also supports India’s broader push toward advanced underwater domain awareness and maritime security.
Role Of NSTL In Underwater Technologies
NSTL, based in Visakhapatnam, is one of DRDO’s key laboratories focused on underwater weapons, sensors, surveillance systems, torpedoes, and autonomous underwater platforms.
The laboratory has been working on several next-generation underwater technologies, including autonomous vehicles and underwater warfare systems.
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FAQs
Flatfish is an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) being developed by DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL). It can carry out underwater missions without a crew onboard.
The Flatfish AUV is designed to operate at depths of up to 300 meters underwater.
Flatfish can be used for underwater surveys, seabed mapping, maritime surveillance, mine-hunting missions, and scientific data collection.
