Robotics

Oceanbotics' newest ROV seeks and destroys sea mines

View 2 Images
The Oceanbotics SRV-8 MDR features a Viper MDS mine-detonating module (yellow-capped device at bottom)
Oceanbotics
Multiple Viper MDS modules on a non-Oceanbotics ROV
ECS Special Projects
The Oceanbotics SRV-8 MDR features a Viper MDS mine-detonating module (yellow-capped device at bottom)
Oceanbotics

Oceanbotics' SRV-8 underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) is certainly no slouch, nor is its more capable sibling, the SRV-8X. The latest version of the vehicle, the SRV-8 MDV, takes things even further – it blows up sea mines.

Announced this week, the SRV-8 MDV (Mine Disposal Vehicle) incorporates the existing Viper MDS system made by British marine engineering company ECS Special Projects. Here's how it works …

The surface-located operator starts by remotely piloting the SRV-8 MDV to the underwater mine in question, guided by both imaging sonar and a spotlight-aided HD camera.

Once the mine is located, the ROV-mounted Viper module is lightly touched against it. Doing so triggers the Viper's Nail Attachment Unit, which fastens a "charge disruptor" (a shaped explosive charge) to the mine.

The ROV is then detached from the disruptor and guided a safe distance away, reeling out a spooled 3-mm-thick, aluminum-powder-filled "shock tube" (that still links the two) as it goes. The powder is then remotely ignited at the ROV-end of the tube, with the combustion rapidly traveling down the tube to the disruptor, which explodes along with the mine.

Multiple Viper MDS modules on a non-Oceanbotics ROV
ECS Special Projects

As far as the MDV's non-mine-exploding specs go … well, it's the stock SRV-8 model. As such, it has a maximum depth rating of 305 meters (1,000 ft), can run for six to eight hours on one charge of its two swappable battery modules, and is capable of full 360-degree maneuverability thanks to its eight DVC (dynamic vector control) thrusters.

Interested parties can contact Oceanbotics via the company website.

Sources: Oceanbotics, ECS Special Projects

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
3 comments
notarichman
maybe this could be used to attack subs just under ice?
Expanded Viewpoint
Are sea mines really a concern these days?? With satellite tracking of ocean going vessels, a better strategy would be to use machine vision type software to track military vessels and analyze their movements. Aren't sea mines laid by special vessels that can be identified easily?
ReservoirPup
Expanded Viewpoint: you have easily identified a mine and what's then?