BAE's Talisman unmanned underwater vehicle is aimed to automate the work of clearing waters of dangerous mines to protect divers from harm. Its first production-ready model is being tested and it is hoped this car-sized robotic vehicle can help eliminate the need to use scuba divers in locating and destroying mines. Talisman is the combination of three phases of mine clearance technologies. One sonar-equipped vehicle is used to go out and locate mine-like objects, followed by a second vehicle equipped with cameras that can classify them. The third phase, which consists of a trained clearance diver, is then used to dispose of the mine. Each Talisman vehicle is fitted with four 'Archerfish' single-shot mine neutralizers, which are connected to it through fiber optic cable. Talisman's 4.5m hull and its internal compartments are all made from carbon fiber composites that lower its weight and enhance its maneuverability in the water.
