NORDIC
DEFENCE INDUSTRIES A/S |
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When minehunting, MCM ships or unmanned drones usually first tow sidescan sonars to map the seabed and detect possible mines. Once a mine-like object has been detected on the seabed, the ROV and DAMDIC are used for the final identification and disposal phases. Deployment procedures for the DAMDIC Mk 1 are very straightforward, and the entire run, including the preparation of ROV and DAMDIC, can be carried out in less than 20 minutes: DAMDIC Mk 1 and a cable spool are attached under the ROV. The mother ship positions itself well away from the location of the detected object, and the ROV is launched. Once a the ROV has relocated the object in the water, it hovers over it at a height of about 2m, facing into the current, and the operator carries out a classification in order to make sure that the object on the seabed is really a mine or a piece of ammunition. Depending on which type of drop technique is used, the procedures then differ slightly:
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With help from the camera's aiming reticule (bomb sight), the DOUBLE EAGLE ROV operator selects the optimal place to drop the charge. The command to release DAMDIC is given to the ROV remotely from the console operator on the ship. The fin array ensures a controlled trajectory, and the four legs prevent DAMDIC from rolling if it lands on an incline. As the charge is released from the ROV, the arming process begins, and cable from the cable spool is spooled out. |
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The Pluto Plus ROV then moves slightly away from the mine again and dives to the bottom where DAMDIC is released. The release command is given to the ROV remotely from the console operator on the ship. The ROV is now positively bouyant and rises up until the suspension console which still connects DAMDIC and ROV is completely stretched out. Cable from the cable spool starts spooling out. The ROV now carefully positions DAMDIC closer to the mine and the entire suspension console, and with that, DAMDIC, is then released. This initiates the arming process. |
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The ROV returns to the ship, spooling out more cable as it goes. Safely back on board the ship, this cable is connected to a DAMDIC Blasting Machine (the detonating control unit), and the mine is destroyed through sympathetic detonation by the exploding DAMDIC charge.
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