Anglo-French uncrewed minehunting project moves forward with assurance trials
RMNB Apollo pictured during the safety trials with Hunt-class MCMV, HMS Hurworth, in the background (Photo: Thales)
The joint Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) effort is delivering an autonomous minehunting capability to the Royal Navy and Marine Nationale.
Royal Navy Motor Boat (RNMB) Apollo completed a series of RN and industry open water assurance trials in a significant step towards autonomous minehunting operations.
Taking place under the Anglo-French Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme, the work is believed to be the first UK military clearance of its kind.
RNMB Apollo completed tests that prove remotely controlled USVs can be operated by a team at a shore-based control station.
The assurance trials saw a series of tasks completed while maintaining awareness of the vessel’s course and position using line-of-sight communications.
RNMB Apollo is one of the two pre-production USVs
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