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Underwater · Remotely operated underwater vehicle

Saab Sea Wasp

A portable tethered inspection and explosive-ordnance-disposal support ROV with documented US prototype deliveries.

Role & capabilities

  • Underwater inspection
  • EOD support
In service / use documentedIn service / use documented
Primary domain
Underwater
System type
Remotely operated underwater vehicle
Developer / manufacturer
Saab
Origin / production countries
Sweden
Other names
No additional names recorded
Variants / configurations
Not distinguished in reviewed sources
Operators / programme customers
United States CTTSO — prototype recipient

Evidence & current status

Historical prototype deliveries are documented by the manufacturer. Current fleet numbers and customer-specific fits were not established.

Sea Wasp is a compact remotely operated underwater vehicle developed for close inspection in ports and other confined waterways. An electrical and optical tether supplies power and communication. Cameras, lights, sonar and navigation sensors support remote observation, while a manipulator accommodates specialised tools.

Saab states that the programme began in 2014 for a US government requirement and that three prototype systems were delivered to the Combat Terrorism Technical Support Office by the end of 2015. This provides a concrete historical customer relationship without establishing the size or readiness of any present fleet.

The 2021 manufacturer account remains the technical baseline used here. Its limits should not be transferred to other Saab vehicles, and tether length should not be mistaken for independent AUV endurance. The profile covers the reusable robot and its inspection role; the exact tools fitted to an individual customer's system need separate confirmation.

Sourced specifications

Figures apply to the named configuration. Maximum values are not guaranteed operating performance.

SpecificationReported valueContext & source
ConfigurationNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public evidence gap. No estimate or neighbouring variant value has been substituted. Source
Hull / propulsionNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public evidence gap. No estimate or neighbouring variant value has been substituted. Source
DimensionsNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public evidence gap. No estimate or neighbouring variant value has been substituted. Source
Displacement / mass75 kg basic vehicleConfiguration-specific published baseline; installed equipment and conditions can alter performance. Source
PayloadNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public evidence gap. No estimate or neighbouring variant value has been substituted. Source
EnduranceNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public evidence gap. No estimate or neighbouring variant value has been substituted. Source
RangeNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public evidence gap. No estimate or neighbouring variant value has been substituted. Source
SpeedJust over 2.5 knotsConfiguration-specific published baseline; installed equipment and conditions can alter performance. Source
Operating depth150 mConfiguration-specific published baseline; installed equipment and conditions can alter performance. Source
SensorsCameras, lights, sonar, DVL and inertial sensingConfiguration-specific published baseline; installed equipment and conditions can alter performance. Source
Communications / controlElectrical/optical tether for power and communicationConfiguration-specific published baseline; installed equipment and conditions can alter performance. Source
Launch / deploymentNot established in the reviewed public sources.Public evidence gap. No estimate or neighbouring variant value has been substituted. Source

Publication history

  • — Published reference update.

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Follow the evidence

Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.

  1. Sea Wasp development, delivery and specification account (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer

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