UK invests in Pulse Dart prototype
Pulse Dart in motion. (Photo: Dstl)
Innovative sea mine clearance system requires no human intervention or explosives.
UK defence R&D agency Dstl is developing new technology for sea mine disposal and is creating a working prototype by April 2023 with the help of £440,000 ($600,000) in funding from the Defence Innovation Unit in the MoD.
‘Subject to successful trials, a design could go to industry to tender around the same time,’ said Dstl scientist Peter Rushforth who created the Pulse Dart system.
Pulse Dart (comprising a spike and a tube) is delivered underwater via a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
‘The spike penetrates the hard outer shell of the ordnance, where an electrical charge is applied to initiate the ordnance with the operative a safe distance away,’ Dstl noted on 21 July.
An ROV-delivered mine clearance system would remove safety risks associated with deploying human operators in often poor visibility.
The Pulse Dart can also reduce overall costs compared to current EOD technology. As the system contains no explosive components, transport and storage can be undertaken ‘with minimal risk’, Dstl noted.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
-
![All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids]()
All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids
Responses are due by 29 October as the Royal Navy tests the market, with BAE Systems’ Herne and MSubs’ Excalibur setting up a contest where payloads may decide the winner.
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
-
![From Poland to the Pacific: can Miecznik become a blueprint for other navies?]()
From Poland to the Pacific: can Miecznik become a blueprint for other navies?
Babcock is taking its Polish industrial partnership approach to Denmark and New Zealand as navies seek sovereign shipbuilding skills alongside ships.
