Double Eagle for Assured MCM Capability
Double Eagle for Assured MCM Capability
With a range of up to 1km and depth rating of 500m the Saab Double Eagle Mine Disposal System remains the reference system for remotely operated mine counter measures capability. Powerful propulsion packages enable underwater speeds of up to 8 knots ensuring that the Double Eagle can operate in the harsh maritime operational areas of Australia’s coastal seas and oceans.
Operated by eight nations, the Saab Double Eagle has been in-service with the Royal Australian Navy since the introduction of the HUON Class Minehunter Coastal in 1999. Since delivery of the Mk II system at that time, Saab has continued to develop the Double Eagle concept and now offers a range of vehicle configurations comprised of propulsion packages, energy systems and payload options to counter the modern mine threat. Double Eagle configurations to support many types of operational concepts are available from Task Group MCM to specialised Minehunter Ships like the HUON Class.
The Double Eagle Semi-Autonomous ‘SAROV’ provides a unique capability for underwater docking and un-docking so that both and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capability is available from the one system.
BlueZone Group CEO, Neil Hodges, noted that ROV capability would continue for some time to be a requirement for modern minewarfare, “ROVs provide the real-time control that is essential for operating with discretion near to mines to collect intelligence and ensure disposal,” said Neil, “For the modern minewarfare threat a range of capabilities will always be required, and the Double Eagle system can provide a very high level of assurance of mine destruction combined with valuable intelligence on opposition forces weapon and tactics.”
New payloads for the Saab Double Eagle include Synthetic Aperture Sonar providing range independent resolution of 3cm in cross and long track dimensions. With full motion compensation and multi-path suppression a coverage rate of up to 2.5km2 per hour can be achieved. Powerful real time processing can be implemented in the Double Eagle vehicle or in the topside environment supporting a ‘man-on-the-loop’ operating model. Real time data can be gathered and analysed for operator presentation and decision making providing a force-multiplier capability.
Forward Looking Sonar, High Resolution Bathymetry, 3D and laser imaging are all potential payloads that enable high quality intelligence data to be gathered on mine types, configuration and deployment that is beyond one-shot system capability.
Containerised systems offer many options for deployment with Task Group forces to provide an organic mine disposal capability from a deployed force.
Saab’s Double Eagle mine disposal vehicle has provided outstanding service in the HUON Class Minehunter for nearly 20 years and is well positioned for insertion of current technologies providing new capabilities. With available upgrades to propulsion, sonars and new digital control and interfaces the Double Eagle will be ready to face any mine threat into the future.
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| Synthetic Aperture Sonar integrated into the Double Eagle enables range independent resolution of 3cm cross & along track. |
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| The Multi-shot Mine Neutralisation System (MuMNS) system can be adapted to the Double Eagle. MuMNS provides the capability to inspect and neutralise multiple contacts with one vehicle launch. |
