The transformation of the Royal Navy’s mine warfare force continues apace with the second of four remotely-controlled boats delivered.
'Adventure' was handed over to the Royal Navy at Turnchapel Wharf from Thales with Commodore Michael Wood, Senior Responsible Owner for the UK programme, accepting the vessel on behalf of the Royal Navy.
He says the advent of the second craft marked “an important step forward – and showed the power of the enterprise – with OCCAR, Royal Navy, the National Armaments Director Group, Thales and Saab working collaboratively and transparently to one purpose, and responding to the urgent need to prepare this world-class capability for any operational deployment.”
Adventure is classed as a ‘primary system’ in the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme – a boat capable of carrying a payload comprising other uncrewed survey/mine warfare systems, such as the SAMDIS, the bright yellow uncrewed vehicle (a towed sythentic aperture multiview sonar for the record) pictured, which is used to map the seabed rapidly and safely to a high standard, allowing operators to identify and subsequently neutralise underwater threats.
Hand-in-hand with the ‘primary system’ is a portable operations centre from where mine warfare experts direct the mission.
Together the MMCM programme – delivered by thetinternational group OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement/Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) – introduces a world‑class, autonomous mine countermeasures solution, built around advanced crewless systems and an expanded mission suite designed to enhance safety and operational effectiveness at sea.
It’s been designed to allow operators to clear mines in seas up to State 4 (waves as much as 2½ metres/8ft high) and supports detailed seabed mapping in the most complex of maritime settings.
With the addition of a dedicated Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), the system also provides the capability to conduct mine identification and mine neutralisation training at sea—significantly improving mission readiness while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.