RFI0013 - Animal Biomechanics and Behaviours

The Royal Navy is interested in progressing its use in uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles which have a unique propulsion system and/or design based on physical animal behaviours. Evolutionary biomechanics move away from using a traditional thruster, to those inspired by the flapping fins of swimming animals such as rays, penguins and turtles. Examples of this may include, but not be limited to how a dolphin manoeuvres underwater, or how a sea snake swims on the surface.

This Request for Further Information (RFI) therefore aims to understand the technology that already exists in the commercial sector as a view for potential future investment.