US Navy buys 'Archerfish' robots to scour the sea and SHOOT mines

Archerfish can be deployed from surface vessels or a helicopter
Uses a fibre optic cable to send live video to operators
Can seek and destroy mines, deploying an underwater 'missile'

The archerfish has a unique claim to fame, being able to shoots down prey by spitting water at them.

Now, the US Navy is set to use the same principle to shoot explosives and underwater mines.
It has bought $22m robot Archerfish from BAE, which can be launched from a helicopter to search and destroy mines in the sea.

It can be launched from ships, helicopters and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

It is deployed from a launch 'cradle' with a fibre optic data link allowing operators to control it.

Through the use of high frequency sonar and low light video data, Archerfish will identify mine threats and then emit a shaped charge warhead, initiating a 'full order detonation' of the target.

Archerfish is described by BAE, the firm behind it, as an 'expendable mine neutraliser or single shot mine disposal system.'