By Brig. VK Atray.
Chiba. Tokyo. 12 June 2017. Conventional Naval mine hunting consists of two phases. Mine-Like Contacts (MILCOs) are detected and localized, then sorted into two categories, non-mines and mines, before proceeding their disposal. Depending on this, decision is made as to whether or not clear the mines. Thus, the need for an efficient identification platform.
Dr Marc Pinto, ECA Group Integrated Systems of Robots Director , stated, “ to break from conventional mine hunting practices, ECA Group’s Unmanned Mine-countermeasures System (UMIS), was successfully tested at sea, with its identification platform SeaScan which consists of a multi-shot identification ROV with sonar/optical sensors. UMIS system uses SEASCAN MK2 for Mine identification and the K-STER C mine disposal system for neutralization and can be used collaboratively with the embedded Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) in A9-M AUV or A18-M AUV, to reduce the MCM Missions duration.”
Seascan is a ROV dedicated to inspection missions. Its unique architecture ensures hovering capability and stability in turbulent water. Easy to deploy from any kind of platform, the user friendly command and control software offers auto piloting functions to improve mission efficiency. It is battery operated with 3h endurance, can operate up to 300m and in up to 3 knot currents without the limitations of traditional ROVs with an umbilical.
The system features automated launch, recovery and recharging from an Unmanned Surface Vehicles . Acting as a communication gateway with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. The USV also, allows data to be ex-filtrated and relayed to a remote Command and Control Center at safe standoff range. This data is analyzed and the list of MILCOs is produced, which is then used to plan the SeaScan missions.
At MAST, ECA Group is presenting its innovative unmanned and remotely operated vehicles solutions, as well as its own fully integrated suite for Mine Warfare called Unmanned Mine Counter Measures Integrated System UMIS.
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