Theseus AUV

The Theseus AUV was developed by ISE for the Canadian Department of National Defence as part of the Canada–U.S. Spinnaker project to demonstrate long-range autonomous operations beneath Arctic ice. The program culminated in the successful deployment of multiple 220 km fibre-optic cables beneath a 2.5 m thick ice pack in water depths of up to 600 m, setting an AUV endurance record of more than 60 hours of continuous under-ice operation.

Designed as a flexible mission platform, Theseus features a configurable pressure hull and modular payload bay that can be adapted to support a wide range of sensors and mission-specific equipment. Its large payload capacity can accommodate the deployment of smaller AUVs, while an integrated variable ballast system enables the vehicle to remain parked on the seafloor for extended periods before resuming operations on a programmed schedule or external command.

Owned by the Canadian Department of National Defence and maintained by ISE, the Theseus AUV is available for charter to support specialized research, technology demonstration, and subsea operations.