IMT tests AUV for mine counter-measures

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An experiment that will see mine counter-measures (MCM) expertise boosted in the Navy has been completed in Simon’s Town.

Led by the Institute for Maritime Technology (IMT), its main objective is to build operational capability of the existing mine counter-measures in use by adding an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).

Navy News reports the experiment follows on “a steady decline in both skilled personnel and equipment over the last few years”. This has opened the door for the utilisation of AUV technology for detecting and classifying underwater objects and features.

Once programmed the AUV surveys a designated area autonomously and sends limited information back to the survey team aboard a mine countermeasures (MCM) platform. When an area has been surveyed the AUV is recovered and all survey data downloaded.

Using the AUV’s side scan radar, an image of the seabed is created in sufficient detail to allow for identification of mine-like objects.

The first experimental survey, conducted earlier this month between 5 and 9 October, covered an 800×400 metre area and took just on 2.5 hours to complete. All objects deliberately placed in the survey area were detected and the processed data shown on a geographic information system showed them as well.

The second day of the survey was done with an extended depth parameter of 30 metres to test the detection limits of the AUV.

At this stage it is not known whether the SA Navy will do further evaluation of AUVs before taking any decision on possible acquisition.
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