Lockheed To Build Prototype Vehicles To*' Destroy Naval Mines

Lockheed of Sunnyvale, Calif., announced recently that it will build and test six prototype, lowcost underwater vehicles that can be launched from helicopters to destroy enemy naval mines.

The battery-powered, wireguided vehicle, dubbed the Lowcost Expendable Neutralization System (LENS), will be built under contract to the Naval Air Systems Command. Program manager Rollin Swanson of Lockheed Missiles & Space Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., said the vehicle will be 5 feet long and 8 inches in c iameter.

The LENS will be used in conjunction with existing fleet minehunter sonar systems and will be capable of neutralizing both moored mines and those laying on the ocean floor, Mr. Swanson said. Subcontractor is EDO Western Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah, which will supply the sonar and terminal guidance systems.

For Lockheed, LENS is the latest in a series of small, highly accurate, remotely-controlled tactical and research systems. Others include a device to render useless airfield runways and to destroy bunkers; a small un- manned airplane for reconnaissance and target designation; and a l/12th-scale submarine for dynamic study of submarine control surfaces and systems underwater.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 38, Jan 15, 1983

Read Lockheed To Build Prototype Vehicles To*' Destroy Naval Mines in Pdf, Flash or Html5 edition of January 15, 1983 Maritime Reporter

Other stories from January 15, 1983 issue

Content

Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.