The Korean Coast Guard has ordered Saab Seaeye Falcon, a robotic system for undersea investigations and research.
The order follows the sinking of the ferry MV Sewol in 2014, which resulted in the deaths of 304 passengers, mostly schoolchildren. The accident generated a need for more response resources including underwater robotic vehicles, as explained by Saab.
The Korean Coast Guard saw the advantage of a robotic system not only for maritime search and rescue but also as a resource in its role at the forefront of security. In addition, the system can help preserve and protect the maritime environment.
Falcon has five thrusters and an intelligent distributed control system configured in a small 1 x 0.5 x 0.6-meter versatile chassis.
The coast guard’s 300 meter-rated version of the Falcon features iCON behavior-based intelligent control architecture, while its surface control console display features a high-resolution touchscreen monitor.