rMCM launch and recovery system undergoes tests
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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Brazil’s Navy launches third Riachuelo attack submarine
The ceremony was attended by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron.
-
Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates to receive life rafts from Survitec
Babcock has signed a contract with the survival tech company for forty life rafts, which will be extended into 2028.
-
What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?
The Hellenic Navy has been in the process of replacing its nine remaining Elli-class (Kortaener/S-type) frigates with two new acquisition programmes for frigates and corvettes. The US offer of second-hand US Navy (USN) Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) as potential corvette replacement, however, has given the Greek government pause for thought.
-
UK and Australian defence deal agreed as BAE wins nuclear submarine contract
Deal signed in Canberra will see Australia and the UK bolster their defence partnership via operational agreements, security consultancy and further deals for their primary defence firms.