Collaboration on Underwater Inspection Vehicle
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Collaboration on Underwater Inspection Vehicle

Space Florida and Lockheed Martin have signed an agreement to advance the testing and production of a new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) known as Marlin in support of aerospace economic development in the state of Florida, USA.  

 

Lockheed Martin will outfit the Marlin systems with sophisticated sensors and imaging equipment to conduct commercial underwater inspections. The systems suited for use in the oil and gas industry as a safe and cost-effective way to inspect underwater infrastructure and pipelines, especially after severe weather such as hurricanes.

 

Space Florida is investing in Lockheed Martin's technology to allow for further refinement and marketing of the AUV prior to commercial production. The Marlins will be built at Lockheed Martin's Palm Beach facility, and will be tested and demonstrated in open waters off Florida's Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

 

Florida Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll notes that these types of technologies having significant applications in the aerospace industry will help to maintain Florida's high-tech leadership. This agreement is expected to create approximately 50 high-tech jobs over five years.

 

Space Florida's purchase of the Lockheed Martin AUV prototypes was financed through a mixture of Space Florida equity and third-party financing through Bank of America.

 

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