Testing of the unmanned Kalan has been completed in Russia

Specialists from the All-Russian Research Institute for Civil Defense and Emergency Situations (VNII GOChS) have completed a series of tests of the unmanned catamaran “Kalan”, which can replace divers when carrying out dangerous work. This was reported by the press service of the institute. RIA News.

“The uncrewed hydrographic complex “Kalan” is a joint development of the research and production enterprise “Fort XXI” and the All-Russian Research Institute of Civil Defense and Emergencies. The new product was tested on various reservoirs in the capital, including the Moscow Canal,” the statement says.

The institute noted that the universal catamaran can conduct hydrographic surveys in conditions of complicated launching of conventional watercraft and in shallow water with a water level of up to 20 centimeters. The device can examine steep walls of embankments and hydraulic structures, as well as work on cooling ponds and sludge storage facilities, which are dangerous for people.

Kalana batteries provide autonomous operation for 16 hours. The operator can control the catamaran at a distance of up to five kilometers, and the autopilot system can operate at a distance of up to 35 kilometers. It is noted that all software of the complex was developed by Fort XXI specialists.

“The tests carried out confirmed all the declared characteristics of this unmanned hydrographic complex. We believe that its use in the units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations will be rational, since it will allow replacing divers when carrying out dangerous work,” said Vladimir Moshkov, deputy head of the All-Russian Research Institute of Civil Defense and Emergencies. He added that in the future the device may receive a remote-controlled underwater vehicle with a manipulator.

In January, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev said that the Russian autonomous underwater vehicle Klavesin-1RE, which began to be promoted on the world market, was of interest to partners.