rMCM launch and recovery system undergoes tests
An ECA Group Inspector 125 USV (right) and launch and recovery system (LARS) fitted to the chartered VN Rebel. (Photo: Belgium Naval & Robotics.)
Tests continue under the autonomous mine clearance vessel programme for the Belgian and Dutch navies, with the latest focus being on launch and recovery systems.
Belgium Naval & Robotics on 13 January conducted live testing of a launch and recovery system (LARS) with an ECA Group Inspector 125 USV in Toulon for the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme.
The Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium including Naval Group and ECA Group said the demonstration showed the ‘relevance and reliability [of LARS] in real conditions.’
The system was tested on the chartered vessel VN Rebel in the presence of the Belgian and Dutch naval representatives.
The trials brought together four components of the rMCM project for the first time; the LARS, a floating dock cradle for USVs, a security system to lock USVs into the floating dock, and the Inspector 125 USV – itself capable of deploying and recovering a range of subsystems for mine identification and neutralisation.
On 30 November, Naval Group laid the keel for the first of the 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) in the rMCM programme, which are being produced by the Naval Group-Piriou JV Kership in Concarneau, France.
Belgium Naval & Robotics was awarded a contract for the rMCM programme in 2019.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
