Forcys works with multiple technology partners to deliver remote, autonomous mine countermeasures, enhancing safety and efficiency in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations.
Mines and other explosive ordnance present a serious danger to naval operations, offshore energy activities, and various maritime tasks. Conventional disposal techniques often place personnel and equipment in harm’s way, requiring divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to approach the ordnance closely and manually trigger detonation.
Forcys’ solution integrates the Initiation Transponder 6 (IT 6) from technology partner Sonardyne with mine neutralization devices mounted on a VideoRay Mission Specialist Defender underwater robot. This collaboration enables acoustic activation and detonation from a distance, removing the need for direct contact with the ordnance and reducing associated risks.
How It Works
The IT 6 is linked to a non-electric mine neutralization device, which the Defender positions near the target. Once the device is in place, the Defender moves to a safe distance, typically around 1 kilometer away.
Using Sonardyne’s Wideband 2 digital signal technology, the IT 6 receives an acoustic command from a surface vessel or control centre to arm the charge. A follow-up command then triggers the shock tube, detonating the neutralization device.
The entire operation can be executed in most weather conditions, both day and night, ensuring greater flexibility and safety.
Key Advantages
Improved Safety
By eliminating the requirement for physical proximity during detonation, the IT 6 and Defender significantly reduce risks to personnel and assets.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
The autonomous deployment and wireless activation streamline the clearance process, allowing for faster and more effective mine disposal.
Versatility
The IT 6 and Defender operate in a variety of underwater environments, including deep-water missions, making them suitable for a wide range of clearance operations. The Defender’s design enables precise vehicle positioning, handling of heavier payloads, and complex interventions. With seven thrusters, it can move in any direction and maintain an active pitch, ensuring optimal orientation towards the target.
Proven Technology
Sonardyne’s Wideband 2 digital signal technology is built on five decades of development and is field-tested, providing reliable long-range underwater communication. The Defender benefits from VideoRay’s 25 years of ROV engineering expertise, offering power, reliability, and adaptability.
Multi-Use Capability
The IT 6 can be fired multiple times, allowing for cost-effective deck tests and practice drills. If a mission is aborted, the system can be safely retrieved and reused. Only confirmed threats result in the sacrifice of the explosive charge and IT 6.
Cost-Effectiveness
Once the technology is acquired, operational expenses per deployment are significantly lower than those associated with sending personnel on each mission. Deploying multiple ROVs from a single vessel or control centre further reduces costs.
Previous Demonstrations
In 2022, the IT 6 and the Defender were showcased together for the first time to the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the UAE Navy at a quarry in Wales.
The demonstration successfully included detonations of a mine neutralization device delivered by the Defender and activated by the IT 6 from approximately 1 kilometer away. As armed forces globally advance towards autonomous operations across land, air, and sea, demand for both existing and emerging technology will continue to grow.
The advantages in safety, efficiency, adaptability, and cost extend beyond mine countermeasures, and collaborations between industry leaders such as Forcys, Sonardyne, and VideoRay will play a crucial role in technological advancements.
Additionally, Forcys’ technology partner Voyis produces advanced ROV piloting cameras for mission-critical operations. The Discovery camera from Voyis enhances target identification by delivering sharp 4K real-time imagery – ideal for the IT 6 and Defender deployment.
