ROTV system for detecting and classifying Unexploded Ordnance

Credit---Ken-Jones-and-The-Applied-Physics-Laboratory-UW_web.jpg

FOCUS rotv SubConn OptoLink slip ring civil engineering design project management training

Challenge

A solution was required to support the detection and classification of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the seabed, a task critical to safe navigation, environmental protection, and operational planning in naval contexts.

The system needed to deliver high-resolution data, maintain stability in dynamic underwater conditions, and integrate with existing survey workflows.

Segment

Naval

Task

MacArtney was tasked with delivering a remotely operated towed vehicle (ROTV) system that could support advanced UXO detection and classification. The system had to perform reliably across varied seabed conditions, enable efficient survey execution, and contribute to long-term mapping and clearance strategies.

MacArtney was selected for its ability to engineer modular, field-proven systems tailored to complex underwater missions — and for its long-standing collaboration with research and defence stakeholders in the naval segment.

Scope of supply:

Mechanical design and engineering
Electronic design and engineering
FOCUS 3 ROTV
CORMAC winch
Focal slip ring
SubConn^® connectors
Optolink Fibre Optic connector and cabling
Project management
Training

Solution

MacArtney delivered a FOCUS 3 ROTV system configured for UXO detection missions in naval environments. The system combines hydrodynamic stability with flexible sensor integration, enabling precise seabed profiling and object classification. Its compact design and intuitive control interface support rapid mobilisation and minimal disruption to vessel operations.

The solution was optimised to deliver actionable data in real time, allowing operators to make informed decisions during survey runs and adapt to changing seabed conditions without compromising mission objectives.

Result

The ROTV system was successfully deployed and remains in active use, supporting ongoing efforts in UXO detection and classification.

It has enabled consistent, high-quality data acquisition across multiple missions, helping survey teams reduce time on site and improve confidence in seabed clearance assessments. It contributes to safer navigation, informed planning, and long-term operational readiness in mission contexts.

Photo courtesy of Ken Jones and The Applied Physics Laboratory-UW