Autonomous Underwater Vehicles in Mine Counter Measures

Reaching Full Potential with Identification Capability

There are Four Phases in a Mine Counter Measures (MCM) operation with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles currently able to contribute capability to the first two phases:

1) Detection. AUV search using side-scan sonar

2) Classification. Diver or AUV with Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS)

3) Identification. Diver or Remotely Operated Vehicle

4) Disposal/Neutralisation. Diver or Remotely Operated Vehicle

Reliance upon the use of a diver or ROV for the identification phase significantly limits the benefit of AUV deployment. Operational efficiency is reduced with the need to manoeuvre a ship to deploy divers or ROVs limited by swimming or tether range. Covert operations are comprised by the presence of a ship and the ship and personnel are endangered through presence in the minefield.

Integration of laser and camera sensors into an AUV enables the AUV to contribute to the identification phase and achieve the full potential of unmanned technology for MCM operations.

Recent results from Hydroid REMUS 600 demonstrations at Exercise Autonomous Warrior 2018 conducted at Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia in November 2018 showed the capability for laser sensor integration into an AUV.

A Remote Mine Classification Module was integrated into the REMUS 600 in just two days replacing the existing SAS module. The ULS-500 Dynamic Underwater Laser Scanner supplied by 2G Robotics generated true-scale 3D point clouds with industry leading resolution. High-density point cloud data enabled identification of small features, defects, and accurate measurements. The low power requirement, small size and minimal weight enabled the ULS-500 to be readily integrated into the REMUS 600.

At Autonomous Warrior 2018 results showed that high resolution laser data will be future enabler for Automated Target Recognition capability in AUVs. Laser mesh combined with still image overlay offers potential to contribute to the identification phase of MCM operations.