4 October 2023
C2 Robotics Secures Defence Innovation Funding for Gen 2 Speartooth Large UUV
Speartooth is designed for long range, long duration undersea operations. It brings a combination of highly advanced capabilities together with a modular, rapidly reconfigurable design specifically focused on manufacturing scalability and a revolutionary cost point that enables high volume production and deployment.
C2 Robotics Chief Technology Officer Thomas Loveard said, ‘We’ve had the first generation Speartooth in the water since May 2022. That’s allowed us to rigorously test the vessel in real world conditions and demonstrate the long-range LUUV concept. This latest funding will allow us to roll everything we’ve learned into Speartooth Gen 2.’
To date Speartooth has successfully conducted missions in open ocean and at significant depths. It has also completed over 2,000 hours of ‘hardware in the loop’ testing on its virtual twin. C2 Robotics has now manufactured a number of Speartooth systems and will soon commence a six-week, in-water demonstration of its range and endurance.
The second generation Speartooth prototype will be a larger, modular design and incorporate many capability enhancements including longer range. It will be capable of delivering militarily useful payloads for a range of ADF users over operationally relevant distances. The new funding will also be used to develop a container system allowing Speartooth to be easily transported and deployed.
Dr Marcus Hellyer, C2 Robotics’ Director Strategy, said, ‘We are putting the concept of the small, the smart, and the many into practice. By keeping Speartooth small and simple, we can make much faster progress than is possible for large, complex systems. Our goal is to rapidly deliver affordable mass generated by 100% Australian-owned sovereign industry capability.’
Mr Loveard said, ‘C2 Robotics’ agile engineering methodologies have achieved a high level of Speartooth system maturity. This progress would not have been possible without the close support and extremely collaborative engagement with our sponsors in Defence. Speartooth shows what can be achieved when Defence works closely with Australian industry.”
For more information, contact Marcus Hellyer (m.hellyer@c2robotics.com.au; 0418 264 868)