Multi-Shot Mine Neutralisation System (MuMNS) on Saab stand at DSEI 2015 |
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A
pioneering new concept in mine neutralisation has been developed by Saab
Seaeye working with BAE Systems and Thales France, as part of the French
and UK collaboration initiative on maritime mine countermeasures (MMCM).
On behalf of France and the United Kingdom (UK), OCCAR
has awarded the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) contract
in April 2015 to Thales Underwater Systems, in collaboration with BAE
Systems and their partners in France (ECA) and in the UK (ASV, Wood &
Douglas, SAAB UK). Called a Multi-Shot Mine Neutralisation System (MuMNS), loaded with at least three explosive charges, it speeds mission advance by remaining in the water until all weapons are expended, unlike conventional single shot systems. Also, as an ROV operated system, it will return for reload, bringing significant cost savings when compared to a single-shot disposable system. Operational Concept Once a Mine-Like Object (MLO) has been spotted by a ship-borne or offboard search sensor, the MuMNS is launched. Due to its small size, low weight and manoeuvrability, MuMNS can easily be launched from any surface craft, such as an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), by means of an appropriate Launch and Recovery System (LARS). The MLO is marked by an operator and the vehicle is manoeuvred under a controlled excursion to the waypoint. When an MLO has been detected by the vehicle’s relocation sonar, the pilot manually controls the approach to the MLO. If a target is identified as a mine by the vehicle’s onboard camera, a Mine disruptor is selected and moved forward into the engagement position. Upon contact with the mine, the disruptor is connected to it using an attachment device and is automatically released from the vehicle. As the vehicle moves back from the mine, the Remote Command Initiated System (RCIS) is released from the Mine Disposal Magazine. It is left suspended in mid water until a timer releases a float, along with its RF receiver, to the surface. Once on the surface, the disruptor is initiated using a coded radio signal. The vehicle is then driven to the next target’s waypoint and the sequence is repeated until there are no remaining Mine disruptors in the magazine. The vehicle is then returnedto the support vessel for reloading. The safety features of the MuMNS make it possible to recover the system even if disruptors remain in the magazine. |
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 AUV62-MR Mine Reconnaissance System (top) and Sea Wasp (bottom) at DSEI 2015 |
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Also
showcased on the Saab stand was the Sea Wasp. Meeting the new threat of
improvised explosive devices underwater, the Sea Wasp system, launched
last year, is winning an increasing number of orders and international
interest. Saab has been working with the US Combat Terrorism Technical Support Organisation (CTTSO) and the result is the groundbreaking Waterborne Anti-IED Security Platform (Sea Wasp). The latest generation Saab Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), it is designed for successful relocation, identification and neutralisation of IEDs in the confined areas and challenging environmental conditions of ports and harbours. The hydrodynamically stable, highly reliable system boasts exceptional performance and low lifecycle costs, making it an ideal, cost-effective choice. With a high degree of operational autonomy, the Sea Wasp aims to take vessels and men out of the threat envelope, providing a safer underwater solution for mine ordnance. Derived from the increasingly successful use of robotic systems to dispose of land IED threats, the Sea Wasp takes the concept under the water to increase safety for our shores. The Sea Wasp is small enough to be manually launched and recovered from boat or waterside for rapid and agile deployment. It can operate in high current areas and is designed for surveillance in all vulnerable locations including harbours, docks, marinas, jetties and open water. A five-function manipulator arm is fitted to the WBIED ROV for intervention missions with the ability to deploy a range of proprietary disruptors. |
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Saab was Showcasing its Latest Underwater Systems MuMNS and Sea Wasp at DSEI 2015
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