Senators criticise USN budget manoeuvring
The US Senate Appropriations Committee has criticised the USN, saying the service submits budgets to Congress that underfund critical programmes with the expectation that lawmakers would restore the funds.
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
-
![Senators criticise USN budget manoeuvring]()
-
![Austal launches first-of-class patrol boat for Australia]()
Austal launches first-of-class patrol boat for Australia
Amidst delays in Australia's Arafura-class OPVs, the interim capability of the Evolved Cape class becomes even more paramount.
-
![JMSDF launches new tanker vessel]()
JMSDF launches new tanker vessel
To resupply naval bases in its southwest archipelago, Japan is building two coastal tankers.
-
![UK begins search for new strategic sealift capability]()
UK begins search for new strategic sealift capability
The contract in the UK for the provision of strategic sealift capability expires at the end of 2024.
-
![Old dog, new tricks: HMS Argyll conducts Pac24 trials]()
Old dog, new tricks: HMS Argyll conducts Pac24 trials
The RN’s oldest frigate has trialled some of the service’s latest technologies at sea.
-
![France progresses naval asset protection programme]()
France progresses naval asset protection programme
A dozen speedboats are being built for the French Navy by Ufast to avoid a USS Cole-style attack.
