Project “V-FIDES”: Free flooded vehicle for deep sea exploration

The proposed paper is in the framework of the “V-FIDES” project, aiming at developing a new generation of agile, long-endurance, multi-purpose Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for deep sea exploration. The project is co-funded by Tuscany Region (Italy) and is developed by a team lead by Finmeccanica - WASS (Whitehead Sistemi Subacquei, Livorno) with the participation of several partners, mainly located in Tuscany. This paper gives an overview on the preliminary project and on the design phase of the vehicle shape and structure, focusing on the novelty of the shape and of some technical solutions aimed to ensure high dynamic performances and exceptional shell strength.