LCS coastal mine reconnaissance module tested

The US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Modules (MM) programme has completed developmental testing of the coastal mine reconnaissance (CMR) mission module onboard USS Coronado.

The testing was carried out off the coast of Southern California on 22 February.

The CMR mission module includes the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAS with its mission control system, the AN/DVS-1 Coastal Battlespace Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) system, with airborne payload sub-system and post-mission analysis sub-system, supporting software and support containers.

The module is supported by MINEnet tactical, a web-based solution for command and control of the mine warfare battlespace.

The COBRA system is integrated on the MQ-8B, providing daytime detection of surface-laid mine lines, mine fields and obstacles in the beach zone. Mission analysis is performed upon completion of the flight.

The testing included nine missions, including mission tasking from a shore-based mine warfare commander, mission planning by the ship and assigned aviation detachment, flying the planned mission, downloading and analysing the collected data and transmission of analysed data off the ship to the mine warfare commander.

More complex mine warfare missions and initial operational testing and evaluation is scheduled to begin this month.

The combined capability of the LCS ships and mission systems is designed to protect the littoral battle space and provide US forces with assured access to coastal areas.