The Double Eagle Mine Disposal System operated from the Huon Class Minehunter Coastal has continued to prove to be a potent capability at the Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX 19) off the coast of the Republic of Korea.

The Royal Australian Navy’s Huon Class minehunter coastal vessels are fitted with a pair of electrically powered Saab Double Eagle Mk II ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) for mine disposal. These tethered submersibles are capable of acquiring suspect bottom objects, verifying those objects and, if required, disposing of those objects confirmed to be underwater mines. HMAS Gascoyne deployed her MDVs on numerous occasions during the exercise to verify mine-like objects and then prosecute mines during the exercise.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) and autonomous systems can enable Search, Classification and Identification tasks for Minewarfare. For the final step, Disposal, only divers or tethered ROVs can provide the real-time control required to re-acquire a contact a deploy a counter charge to destroy it. Only a powerful electrical vehicle like the Saab Double Eagle Mk II ROV can provide reliable mine disposal capability in all environmental conditions that can be encountered in Australia’s area of operations including strong currents and turbid waters with zero visibility.

Double Eagle for Assured MCM Capability

Double Eagle for Australian MCM Conditions

Recovery of a Saab Double Eagle Mk II ROV to the deck of a Huon Class Minehunter in MIWEX 19 off the coast of the Republic of Korea.

Calm waters for a Double Eagle deployment from a Huon Class Minehunter in MIWEX 19 off the coast of the Republic of Korea – not always the case for MCM operations.