The new systems from EDO incorporate available technologies for rapid introduction and application to a myriad of potential host platforms. The application of this technology has made low-cost, modular, minesweeping systems available throughout a world that is facing a significant naval mine threat.
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There are approximately one million mines in the world's inventory TIM RIPLEY |
Mines are a cheap force multiplier that give almost any nation the ability to stop commercial or military shipping by another sea-going nation. The destructive force of such mines has been demonstrated effectively many times during the past 50 years. There are 20 nations that have the capability to manufacture mines, many more that have the capability to buy and deploy these mines, and approximately a million mines in the world's inventory. Of the 18 US Navy ships that suffered some sort of battle damage during this 50-year period, 78 per cent were as a result of mines. The mine threat were halted the execution of amphibious assault operations and has impacted severely on the free transit of commercial shipping. Interruption of trade has resulted in a significant impact on the economies of affected nations. Mines are capable of neutralising military superiority as well as creating economic havoc. Therefore it is critical that nations develop a rapid response to this threat in order to minimise the impact of their deployment.
The keys to countering the threat posed by mines are speed and effectiveness of response. A nation must be able to respond quickly with sufficient strength to clear the threat effectively. The response must be able to meet the threat at any place of national interest and be cost-effective considering the nature and frequency of the threat.
Current mine countermeasure technology provides a low-risk response for all nations and all operational environments. It incorporates open-loop sweep technology for maximum system effectiveness and a dipole magnet approach for maximum flexibility of deployment. These technologies do not represent the results of investment in research and development for new technological approaches but reflect a new application of existing technologies. So while it is not new, this technology represents a capability for a quick and effective response to the threat. The systems that represent this approach are the modular open-loop sweep system and the self-contained minesweep system.
Rapid response minesweeping is based on modularity and flexibility. Having the capability to negate quickly and effectively a mine threat allows for a national self-sufficiency. Pre-disposition of the rapid-response minesweeping components or packaging for quick transit from a central storage location, and designing them for use on surface-ship or helicopter platforms, maximises the response capability and reduces the response time. This response time is one of the critical elements of this concept. Both the modular open-loop sweep, designed primarily for surface ships and the self-contained minesweep system, designed for use on small surface ships and helicopters, meet these critical time requirements.
The modular open-loop sweep (MOLS) system is based on a power pack technology that has been proven in service for over 25 years and is in production for the US Navy on the MK 105 Mod 4 airborne magnetic minesweeping system. The power pack includes a gas-turbine generating set using a Pratt & Whitney PT-6 turbine derivative as its primary power source.
When coupled with a generator and rectifier, it is capable of generating an output current of 3,500A and an output power of 3.5kVA. The specifics of the power-pack technology as envisioned for this application are shown in figure 1. Because it generates its own output power, no external power sources are used for this application and only an external fuel connection is required. Therefore, a MOLS system can be installed in a modular configuration on almost any platform that can accommodate a 5,000lb (2,275kg) payload. The system has the capability to waveshape and pulse its output current. This provides additional minesweeping effectiveness against most threats. The configuration and capability of this system permit operation in deep water and achieve large swept-path performance. The speed range of the system is dictated only by the operational limits of the surface tow platform.
A modular winch assembly and sweep cables are provided with this power pack that is packaged to meet shipboard requirements for noise, EMI, magnetic signature and salt-water ingestion. It is palletised for ease of installation and removal.
A feature of this system is its adaptability to surface craft other than those dedicated to mine countermeasures. This includes non-magnetic commercial shipping having the deck capacity for this hardware and the capability to stream sweep cables aft of the ship.
Because there is no towed body, there is very little tow capability required by the tow platform. This increases the number of potential platforms that can be fitted with this system and further enhances its modularity.
The power-pack portion of this system currently in production for the US Navy requires modifications involving repackaging for surface ship applications and modification of the winch assembly as part of the modular configuration.
The self-contained minesweep system (SCMS), shown in figure 2, was developed in response to difficulties in sweeping mines in shallow waters. The technical basis of this programmable, magnetic-influence sweep capability is the application of a dipole magnet that is suitable for brackish and riverine environments in a high-speed towed body. The design drivers for the SCMS were the space and weight allowable for total containment within the cabin/ramp of the MH-53E helicopter during transit to and from the operating area. An additional benefit of this design is that it can be towed from helicopters smaller and less expensive than the MH-53E, and also from small surface ships and very small, remote-controlled surface platforms.
The self-contained minesweep system towed body is 10ft (3.05m) long with a diameter of 20in (50.8cm), weighs approximately 1,000lb (455kgm) and uses an external 6kVA power source. It can be towed in excess of 30 knots and can operate in water depths of less than 20ft. The body contains a soft magnetic core wrapped with a continuously charged coil that maintains high magnetic levels at all times during a minesweep operation. The electronics that support this system include five control boxes. With the addition of a laptop computer, the SCMS can provide a ship-emulation capability that allows it to conduct all types of minesweeping operation including sweeping generically against a specific threat or sweeping to support the safe passage of specific platforms.
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Mine damage can neutralise military superiority as well as create economic havoc TIM RIPLEY |
The small size and modular configuration of the SCMS means it can be deployed on many types of platform and that it is adaptable to many nations' helicopter fleets. This provides an airborne mine countermeasure (AMCM) capability that previously was possible only with the MH-53E helicopter.
The benefits of AMCM have been demonstrated in every US mine countermeasures operation since the clearance of Haiphong Harbour in 1973. This system that is scheduled for operational testing under a US Navy contract, could be available for production as early as 1998.
The systems that make up the rapid response minesweeping concept provide only half the concept viability. The second portion is the operational deployment and positioning of the assets to maximise system flexibility and minimise required response time to a mine threat. The modular open-loop sweep system and the self-contained minesweep system are designed to provide high reliability and maintainability, and can be stored effectively with minimum maintenance. Within the rapid response minesweeping concept, these advantages allow the MOLS and the SCMS systems either to be stored at potential threat sites or to be packaged for quick transfer to a threat site from a central storage location. The ease of deployment and operation is critical to the success of this mission and timed responses should be in days not weeks. The modularity of these systems provides that timed response flexibility and enhances a national threat response posture that may help minimise the potential threat risk. These systems can be rolled on/off the designated surface platforms on a pallet, bolted to the deck, connected to the appropriate fuel or power source, and then taken to sea. If towing from a helicopter, the configuration can be adapted for ease of installation and towed body launch and recovery.
Rapidly deployable mine sweeping systems in a national inventory are economic assets. Most nations rely on their ability to transit safely across the world's sea lanes and have economies dependent upon free trade. Closure of a major port for any length of time can have drastic results. It is imperative that mine threats to small nation economies are neutralised as quickly as possible.
Costs associated with operations such as the escorting of tankers in the Arabian Gulf in the late 1980s are an example of the economic impact of a real and perceived mine threat, and highlight the need for organic national mine countermeasure systems.
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Of the 18 US Navy ships that have suffered battle damage in the last 50 years, 78 per cent was as a result of mines TIM RIPLEY |
The deployment of naval mines will continue as a low-cost offensive weapon throughout the world. In the absence of total elimination of these weapons, one of the most effective methods of neutralising them is the rapid sweeping of mine fields. Minimising the operational and economic impact of the threat can deter the deployment and utilisation of mines and is a positive step toward negating their use. A quick and effective response can save lives and prevent loss of shipping. EDO is a company that is proud to make available systems that help reduce naval mine threats and ensure free and open sea lanes of communication.
