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A6K

Ultra-deep Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

The A6K Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a cutting-edge solution designed to meet the most demanding underwater challenges. With the ability to operate at depths of up to 6,000 meters and large payload section, the A6K is built to conduct deep-sea survey as well as inspection missions thanks to its hovering capability.

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Features

  • Unique dual mode survey & inspection down to 6,000m

  • Long endurance up to 30-hour mission, according to mission profile and payloads

  • Hovering capabilities

  • Real-time target detection

  • Automatic close-range inspection initiated during survey

  • Multi-mission capabilites thanks to a wide range of sensors: SAS, MBES, camera...

Exploring ultra-deep waters

 Ultra-deep water environments present unique challenges due to extreme pressure, and vast, often unexplored underwater terrains. These conditions make exploration difficult but also open up critical opportunities for scientific and technological advancement. Deep-sea exploration plays a vital role in enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities while expanding our understanding of marine ecosystems and environmental conditions. It is crucial for advancing maritime and defense sectors.

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The A6K AUV: meeting the demands of deep-sea missions

Capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters, it offers long-endurance surveying and precise low-altitude hovering, making it ideal for missions requiring stability and detailed exploration.

Derived from the Ulyx AUV, which is in operation with Ifremer, France's leading oceanographic institute, the A6K is designed to perform tasks like: 

  • underwater surveys
  • pipeline and subsea cable inspections
  • search and rescue operations
  •  Its versatility and reliability make the A6K an essential tool for deep-sea exploration, marine security, and scientific research.

Advanced Autonomy

With its advanced autonomy, the ultra deep water AUV can interrupt its mission based on collected data for in-depth analysis of specific areas before resuming. Its unique design allows it to navigate close to the seabed for precise imaging and measurements, while maintaining stability.

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Versatile payload for enhanced mission capabilities

Customizable payload

The A6K large, customizable payload section, supports a wide range of advanced sensors and tools, and can be fitted according tho the mission operational needs : 

  •  Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS), such as Exail Sams 150

  • Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES)

  • High-resolution cameras

  • Sub-bottom Profilers ( SBP), such as  Exail's Echoes

  •  Environmental sensors 

  • Volume Search Sonar (VSS))

  • Laser

  •  Magnetometer

Ease of Maintenance

Access for payload maintenance and reconfiguration is facilitated through large side"hoods", allowing tasks to be performed onboard the ship by a small team in confined spaces.

A long expertise in addressing deep sea challenges

Exail has a rich history spanning over 40 years in designing and developing advanced solutions for deep-sea exploration. As a longstanding partner of Ifremer, Exail has worked closely with the institute to create pioneering Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) capable of operating at depths of 6000 meters in the ocean, such as :



  • The  Epaulard, the world’s first operational AUV for deep-sea observations in 1979, was an innovative underwater system designed for deep-sea exploration and intervention tasks.
  • the  ROV Victor 6000 in 1998
  • Ulyx,delivered in 2020,  one of the few AUVs capable of descending to 6,000 meters for fully autonomous missions lasting up to 48 hours.