Worldwide Undersea MCM Vehicle Technologies

摘要

Robotic vehicle systems, both remotely operated aid autonomous, are playing increasing roles in underwater mine countermeasures (MCM) around the world. The current capabilities of MCM vehicles are largely dictated by the capabilities and limitations of present-day remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). While ROV capabilities drive present MCM functions, the emerging capabilities are driven by the development of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). A few prototype systems exist,with more under development. Future directions of MCM development will largely be determined by operational requirements rather than technical issues. The technologies exist or are under development to solve many of the current challenges, including wide-area coverage, operation in the surf zone, automated identification, and effective neutralization. Representative systems and technologies will be discussed in light of these current and future capabilities.