Click here - to select or create a menu

Naval News

DSEI Japan 2023
  • News
  • Event News
    • SNA 2023
    • Euronaval 2022
    • Indo Pacific 2022
    • Sea Air Space 2022
    • DIMDEX 2022
  • Interviews
  • Videos
  • Advertising
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Home» News»Sonardyne introduces wireless initiation capability for naval mine disposal
MQ-9 STOL
Screenshot from Sonardyne presentation video

Sonardyne introduces wireless initiation capability for naval mine disposal

Underwater defence technology company Sonardyne is aiming to improve the safety and efficiency of naval mine counter measures (MCM), explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and demolition operations, with the introduction of a secure, wireless underwater initiation capability.

Naval News Staff 16 Feb 2022

Sonardyne press release

The company’s new Initiation Transponder 6 (IT 6) is designed to be connected directly to a remotely deployed, non-electric mine neutralization device, such as a Cobra MDS from ECS Special Projects. This allows EOD teams to send a wireless, acoustic command from their vessel, safely initiating a shock tube detonator. Recent demonstrations were conducted over distances in excess of 1,000 m away.

IT 6 is based on Sonardyne’s field-proven Wideband 2 digital signal technology, which offers a reliable and long-range underwater wireless communications link. The development of IT 6 means that service personnel no longer need to hardwire mine neutralizers up to signal relay buoys on the surface and are not restricted to good weather and daylight for setting up an initiation operation.

IT 6 is small, lightweight and designed to be placed by a clearance diver or remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for both high order detonation and low order deflagration. It features multiple layers of security to prevent unintended activation, including a hydrostatic switch, which only allows the unit to be armed when a pre-determined depth has been reached.

Sonardyne picture

Operations using IT 6s are controlled using Sonardyne’s new rugged Deck Topside case and cabled dunker. Environmentally rated to IP67, the case features a daylight readable interactive 7-inch resistive touch screen and rechargeable battery, for operating from small combat craft with no external power.

The user interface was designed in close co-operation with EOD technicians and enables operating parameters to be set and multiple IT 6s to be configured prior to deployment. During a live operation, two physical buttons provide an additional layer of security, requiring users to hold one button to arm, then simultaneously press the other to initiate.

The dunker, which is supplied with 10 m of cable, provides a secure two-way communications link between the surface and IT 6 and is simply lowered over the side of a vessel.

Tom Rooney, Defence Sales Manager at Sonardyne in the UK said; “Navies around the world are investing heavily in new technologies to support their diver and remotely controlled mission objectives, not least mine countermeasures. IT 6 is one such technology and represents an important new addition to the MCM and other underwater ordnance playbooks.

“When clearance of both modern-day and historical sea mines is deemed necessary to maintain control of the underwater domain, IT 6 will help those involved with the hazardous task to operate safely, wirelessly and in any weather, day or night. Underwater acoustic command and control is a core Sonardyne capability, so IT 6 can be considered as reliable and as secure as traditional methods involving shock tubes and a lot safer than electrical detonation lines.”


Tom Rooney, UK Defence Sales Manager at Sonardyne
mine disposal Sonardyne 2022-02-16
Tags mine disposal Sonardyne
Facebook Twitter Stumble linkedin Pinterest More

Related Articles

Seatronics delivers mine disposal systems for Seagul USV

Seatronics delivers mine disposal systems for Seagul USV

Naval News Staff 30 Nov 2022
Seatronics has begun the final installation and commissioning phase of two Mine Identification and Detonation Solutions (MIDS) to Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd.
Sonardyne collaborates MSubs on autonomous naval platforms

Sonardyne collaborates MSubs on autonomous naval platforms

Naval News Staff 10 Mar 2022
MSubs and Sonardyne have signed a strategic partnership to advance the capabilities of long endurance, autonomous underwater platforms for the UK defence sector.
Sonardyne and Wavefront demonstrate obstacle avoidance on UK’s XLUUV

Sonardyne and Wavefront demonstrate obstacle avoidance on UK’s XLUUV

Naval News Staff 04 Nov 2021
Sonardyne and Wavefront, successfully demonstrated their MOAS capability aboard an extra-large, uncrewed, underwater vehicle (XLUUV) built and operated by Plymouth-based MSubs Ltd.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legal / Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 Naval News
All Rights Reserved