Table 3.
Classification of UUVs by weight [1].
| Type | Weight (kg) |
Diameter (cms) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small UUV or man-portable vehicle class | 11~45 | >7.5 and <25 | Inexpensive, economical, small turning radius, and maneuverable Increased work efficiency for specialized applications in various environments [72] Bionic AUV imitates the shape of the fish (hydrologically characterized by easy acceleration with less muscle and effort in the water) [73] and maintains the characteristics of mini/micro AUVs Riptide, Charlie, RoboPike, Ariel II, RoboLobster (lobster), and MT1 (fish robot) [74] |
| Mini-AUV | 20~100 | ||
| Micro-AUV | <20 | 21.5 | |
| Medium UUV or lightweight vehicle class | 225 | >25 and <53 | Surveillance reconnaissance, mine removal, special-purpose marine investigation, network attack, and mobile communication node provision. |
| Large UUV or Heavyweight vehicle class | 1350 | >53 and <210 | Continuous tactical surveillance and reconnaissance Covert reconnaissance Submarine deception Coastal access-based maritime surveys |
| Extra-large UUV or large vehicle class | 10,150 | >210 | Continuous surveillance and reconnaissance, ambush-type ASW, long-distance maritime investigation, and transport for special operations |