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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?]()
How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months]()
US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
