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merhead, now has a high-density energy mines, the speed, lethality, and maneu- Russian Black Sea ports of Sevastopol source, more sophisticated sensors, al- verability of torpedoes, and the modular- and Novorossiysk suggest that mobile gorithmic processing, and the ability to ity, mobility, and autonomy of UUVs. Yet “surface mines” could come to be pose communicate, it still remains tethered to even as this convergence continues, our a uniquely dangerous threat to surface the seabed. What if the Mk-54 liquid fuel very understanding of what constitutes warships. We may soon ? nd that offen- propulsion system were replaced with a sea mine may need to change. The re- sive mine warfare is no longer con? ned a high density battery-driven system, cent Ukrainian armed USV attacks on the to the undersea domain.

transforming it into a loitering, armed

UUV? Such a weapon already exists, in the form of battery-powered torpe- does like the F21 (which was inspired by Naval Group’s D19 UUV), the Black

Shark, the Sea Hake, the MU90, and the

Saab Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT), all of which can reach speeds of 50 knots

G A I

ENERATIONS HEAD N

S & U T and have an endurance of nearly an hour.

C NO OG ONAR LTRASONIC ECHNOLOGY

Endurance is perhaps the greatest chal- lenge in the development of persistent,

Your Eyes and mobile mine? elds. Last year, Chinese scientists published a paper exploring the idea of miniaturized nuclear reactors

Ears at Sea powering heavyweight torpedoes. While largely aspirational, it underscores the broader, accelerating trend toward au- tonomous, self-organizing, high-endur- ® ance torpedo-mines.

By all indications, offensive mine war- fare will play an important role in future con? icts. But the “mines” of tomorrow • Sensors will be radically more dangerous than those of today. They will combine the • Sonar and persistence and coverage of conventional Acoustic Systems

Avenger-class mine countermeasure • Underwater ships USS Patriot (MCM 7) and USS

Pioneer (MCM 9) conduct a mine Connectors warfare training exercise. Pioneer, part of Mine Countermeasures

Squadron 7, is operating in the 7th

Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response platform for contingency operations.

Challenge your perception of what’s possible and reach out to us today!

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U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Irving Garcia www.marinetechnologynews.com 11

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