The first made-in-Vietnam small-sized AUV was manufactured at the order of the Ministry of Science and Technology, at a cost of more than VND25.5 billion (over $1 million). Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan participated in the test.
The Hoa Binh AUV is 6.63 m in length, and 2.74 m in height. It can run at a speed of 4.5 nautical miles per hour, dive for 24 hours at a depth of 50 m, and carry four crew members.
Before being used, the AUV will be tested under the supervision of the German registration agency - GL.
Minister Mr. Nguyen Quan said he had watched the ship manufacturing process from the outset and he was fully confident in the ability and qualifications of Vietnamese technical staff.
