Earlier this year, RS Aqua announced a strategic partnership with ocean tech company ACUA Ocean. Robust and reconfigurable, the ACUA platform Pioneer provides space, power and weight to deploy in tougher, remote ocean conditions.
Due to its size, the ACUA platform accommodates multiple payloads in a single mission, thereby reducing operational costs for its customers.
Long-endurance offshore missions. Built for autonomy
This USV sets the framework for scaling long-endurance offshore missions, with uncrewed systems deploying persistent, AI-enabled, deep-water acoustic sensors.
In particular, this partnership has accelerated the opportunity for excellence in operational development for products we distribute. The NiKA ASW profiling float with the Marlin acoustic processing combined is a highly cost-effective method of poising a mobile launch platform on a week’s long deployment facing heavy weather conditions.
What does the NiKA Float do?
Created by MetOcean Telematics, the NiKA Float is an autonomous, acoustic platform for underwater surveillance. It provides accurate results for defence applications with its custom hydrophone that detects acoustic signatures of up to 5 nautical miles.
Its buoyancy engine adjusts density hydraulically, allowing profiling without propulsion noise.
Key features
- Depth rated up to 1000m
- Real-time acoustic intelligence via Iridium Certus® 100
- Two operational modes: Classic (profiling through the water column) and Stealth (fixed-depth monitoring until triggered)
- Configurable operating life – depending on mission parameters, can exceed one year
NiKA is redefining underwater acoustic surveillance. From anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and persistent subsurface threat detection to oceanographic research, NiKA delivers unmatched versatility and endurance for modern maritime operations.
How does Marlin’s AI technology support ASW applications?
Marlin has multiple applications within the ocean science realm. One of those is identifying vessel activity through acoustic signatures, which directly applies to ASW. Competitive pricing with rental services available, Marlin opens a new window into the underwater world, supporting better decisions for the defence and maritime security sectors.
- Real-time processing
- 1TB onboard storage
- 4G communications as standard (advanced options available)
- GPS time synchronisation
- Marlin Connect software for easy use
Putting the technology to test
Recently, the Royal Navy completed a successful demonstration using Acua Pioneer Platform alongside RS Aqua technology.
A group of expert ocean technology companies were invited to test their equipment within a live underwater battlespace scenario. Each solution selected for the demonstration met a clear set of operational criteria and was required to be commercially available and easily integrated into the Royal Navy’s existing ASW capabilities.
The result was a highly successful demonstration that showcased how modern ocean technology can strengthen and support established Royal Navy operations. It’s another step towards the vision of a truly Hybrid Navy
Read the full article here.
Advancing maritime defence through partnership
Together, the ACUA Ocean USV platform, MetOcean’s NiKA Float, and Marlin’s AI-enabled acoustic processing technology represent a significant step forward in the future of autonomous anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.
By combining persistent offshore endurance, advanced underwater acoustic surveillance, and intelligent real-time data processing, RS Aqua is helping to deliver a more scalable and operationally effective approach to maritime defence capability.
Through its partnership with ACUA Ocean and the integration of innovative technologies such as the NiKA Float and Marlin, RS Aqua is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation ASW-focused deployments.
The company will continue these conversations and showcase these evolving capabilities at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough from 19th – 21st May, highlighting how operational excellence, autonomy, and AI-driven ocean intelligence are shaping the future of defence applications at sea.
Come visit us on stand B42 to learn more about our capabilities within the defence sector.
Talk to one of our advisers
Get in touch with us for further information or for a conversation about any of our innovative and reliable ocean technology systems, sensors or services.