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
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity]()
Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity
The UK government’s £8.4 billion Dreadnought Phase 4 investment sets aside £2.5 billion for the wider submarine supply chain, opening new work beyond BAE Systems’ prime contract.
-
![Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback]()
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
