Mine Neutralization Vehicle

The Mine Neutralization Vehicle (MNV) is the primary subsystem of the Navy's Mine Neutralization System (MNS). The vehicle is similar to the original SCAT in that it is has a long body and is powered by a central electrohydraulic system which drives its thrusters. The streamlined external fairing is of fiberglass, and buoyancy is provided by syntactic foam. The sensor package consists of a mine-hunting sonar and two television cameras. Two mission packages are carried: a cable cutter for moored mines, and a dropable charge for bottom mines.

In addition to the vehicle, MNS consists of an Umbilical Cable Handling System (UCHS), Vehicle Handling System (VHS), shipboard power supply, and associated control consoles. All these components were developed by SSC San Diego. The system works in conjunction with a shipboard mine hunting sonar and precise inertial navigation system.

MNS is being deployed on two new classes of minesweepers, the Mine Countermeasures (MCM) and Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC) ships. SSC SD is now the Naval Sea Systems Command's (NAVSEA) Technical Direction Agent (TDA) for MNS production and installation.

Other MNS links are found at the Naval Sea Systems Command and the Naval Coastal Systems Station.

SSC San Diego Robotics

Address all questions/comments to: uuv-web@spawar.navy.mil
Last update: 05 June 2000