Euroatlas Unveils Autonomous Underwater Vehicle ‘Greyshark’ for Advanced Maritime Operations

Euroatlas, the German engineering powerhouse, has unveiled a cutting-edge addition to underwater surveillance technology: the Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Revealed at the prestigious Euronaval 2024 exhibition in Paris, this AUV is geared for a broad spectrum of missions ranging from reconnaissance to safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure.

At first glance, Greyshark stands out for its streamlined design, optimized for efficient and silent operations. With a cruising speed of 10 knots (approximately 11 miles or 18 kilometers per hour), it’s built for endurance, boasting a remarkable operational range of 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles or 1,852 kilometers). This makes it capable of long-duration missions, up to 30 days at sea, either independently or as part of a swarm. Its impressive operational depth of 650 meters (around 2,132 feet) will be extended to 4,000 meters in future upgrades, highlighting its versatility for deep-sea tasks.

Greyshark's technological arsenal includes advanced active sensors, such as multibeam and synthetic aperture sonar, and passive systems like anti-jamming GNSS and AI-enhanced camera setups. This sensor array, combined with sensor fusion technology, allows Greyshark to detect and analyze changes in underwater environments and track objects efficiently. Communication capabilities are equally robust, with features like Iridium satellite links and underwater acoustic modems that ensure seamless data transfer even in challenging maritime conditions.

A key feature of Greyshark is its adaptability for diverse roles. It can be configured to protect underwater assets like pipelines, cables, and harbors, or be equipped for mine warfare and anti-submarine operations. The AUV can operate autonomously or in coordination with up to six other units, thanks to its swarm capabilities. These can be directed from a central hub, operate self-organized, or even function under the guidance of a mothership.

To ensure seamless operations, Euroatlas provides a comprehensive support package, covering everything from transport and maintenance to deployment and refueling. This service infrastructure is essential for adapting the Greyshark to various mission profiles and adhering to international regulations, both in civilian and military maritime domains.

Euroatlas’s latest innovation underscores a commitment to modernizing underwater warfare and surveillance capabilities, setting a high benchmark for future maritime technologies.