Seafox Successfully Performs Unmanned Mine Counter Measure Missions

ATLAS North America’s Seafox mine neutralizing system was successful in performing unmanned mine counter measure missions during the Trident Warrior 2012 U.S. Navy Fleet Experiment in July. During the experiment, the Textron AAI used its Fleet Class Common Unmanned Surface Vessel (CUSV) with an L-3 Klein 5000 V2 Side Scan. The SeaFox is one- shot mine disposal vehicle, used for semi-autonomous disposal of naval mines and other ordnance found at sea and can relocate previously acquired positions of underwater objects within minutes with the integrated homing sonar. When detecting a mine-like object, L-3 Klein 5000 V2 Side Scan coordinates were input into the SeaFox to further prosecute the potential target. The objects can be identified by the CCTV and later destroyed by the large charge and can be deployed from Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels, surface combatants, crafts of opportunity, Rhibs, helicopters, and Unmanned Surface and Subsurface Vessels. Sergio Diehl, President of ATLAS North America, said, “Trident Warrior 2012 demonstrated once again that SeaFox is more than capable of meeting the demand for safe and efficient mine disposal capabilities from unmanned off-board platforms. The ability to operate not only from traditional shipboard-facilities but also from almost any type of autonomous platform is a clear signal of SeaFox’s outstanding flexibility and versatility”.