Russia Successfully Tests Underwater Drone in Atlantic

Sputnik News

15:01 14.12.2015(updated 15:40 14.12.2015)

A Russia-made autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) named Rus has successfully dived below a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) mark in the central Atlantic Ocean, the Russian Defense Ministry said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The underwater vehicle, also known as a sea drone, is suitable for 'technical work, search-and-rescue, and scientific research at depths of up to 6,000 meters using a manipulator,' Vice Admiral Alexei Burilichev, who is responsible for the Defense Ministry's department for deep-sea research, was quoted in the ministerial statement as saying.

The AUV can be used to shoot photos and videos, conduct geological surveys, and explore underwater archaeological sites.

The body of the Rus subsea drone is made of a high-strength titanium alloy to withstand high pressure. It was lowered into the Atlantic from the Yantar oceanographic research ship.

© Sputnik