Mine Hunting Sonar Deployed in the Mediterranean
Photo: Klein Marine Systems
Klein Marine Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitcham Industries, Inc. teamed with Elbit Systems, Ltd. to conduct structured mine countermeasure exercises in the Mediterranean Sea. Klein’s 5900 mine hunting side scan sonar, integrated onboard Elbit’s Seagull Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) detected and classified all detectable moored and bottom Mine Like Objects (MLO) in one-third the allotted time period for each exercise.
During the trials which were conducted in various depth up to 85 m, the 5900 sonar enabled MCM area survey at 8-9 knots with high performance and high area coverage rate.
In addition to the controlled trial, the 5900 was operated by Seagull in various survey operations providing high resolution imagery and exhibiting its utility as a sub-sea survey asset as well as an MCM sonar.
The 5900 from Klein Marine systems, Inc., is a high resolution, dynamically focused, multi-beam, side scan sonar designed specifically for small object detection with 100 percent bottom coverage, while being towed at speeds up to 14 knots.
The system employs advanced signal processing techniques, motion compensation and superior acoustic design to provide exceptional constant high-resolution, motion tolerant imagery performance. Remote control software, Swath Bathymetry and a Nadir Gap Filler capability are subsystem options available on the 5900 System.
The Seagull USV from Elbit Systems, Inc. is a newly introduced 12-meter Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) designed with replaceable mission modules. Two Seagull vessels are capable of being operated and controlled in concert using a single Mission Control System (MCS), from manned ships or from the shore.
The system provides unmanned end-to-end mine hunting operation taking the sailor out of the mine field. It provides mission planning, and on-line operation in known and unknown areas, including area survey, search, detection, classification, identification, neutralization and verification. It is equipped to search the entire water volume and to launch and operate underwater vehicles to identify and neutralize mines.
February 2024
