ECA Group Delivers Robotic Underwater Counter-Mine Systems

By Mike Ball / 21 Sep 2016

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

ECA Group Counter-Mine System

ECA Group has announced the delivery of several fully robotic underwater mine counter-measure systems to two navies, including that of Kazakhstan. The systems allow customers to deploy vehicles that will protect crews, keeping them outside the minefield. Until recently, detection sonar of such systems was located on the minehunter, which required entering of the threat area and being exposed to a risk of explosion. Thanks to a system based entirely on specialized robots, mines are now detected using high resolution sonar fitted either on autonomous underwater vehicles or on surface drones, thus avoiding the need for the mother ship to approach the mines.

Once the sonar has detected potential mines, an inspection robot such as the SEASCAN MK2 is used to confirm via video images that the object is indeed a mine, and a disposal vehicle such as the K-STER C is then dispatched to destroy the mine. These robots can be launched either from the mother ship or remotely deployed from a surface drone, thereby keeping the mother ship at a safer distance from the mines.

For several years, ECA Group has been developing a comprehensive range of underwater robots, including AUVs, mine killers, ROVs and USVs/surface drones. Used together on a single vessel, these different robots can perform full mine counter-missions, as well as hydrography, surveillance, and research & assistance missions, through their sequential and/or simultaneous deployment.

To manage the mission of various robots on the vessel, ECA Group has over recent years developed an Unmanned MCM Information System (UMIS) enabling the vessel to plan and conduct mine counter missions safely and effectively through the optimal operation of the various robots, and to incorporate the information collected into the naval customer’s centralized management system.

Thanks to ECA Group’s wide range of robots, there is considerable flexibility to adapt the systems offered depending on the customer’s operational requirements and budget: minimal configurations make it possible to carry mine counter solutions on smaller vessels (<30m), in particular where the requirement is limited to coastal mine counter measures. For planned mine counter activity requiring rapid mine disposal, e.g. for amphibious operations, the configuration may incorporate several USVs and AUVs, as well as one or two dozen mine killers on the same mine countermeasures vessel.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Field-Tested: How Far Can the Dronetag RIDER Really Detect?

Dronetag’s latest video sees the RIDER Remote ID receiver put to the test, revealing its real-world detection range and previewing the new generation of Drone Scanner

May 20, 2025
Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WISPR Systems Partners to Advance American-Made UAV Technology

WISPR Systems and NW Blue are joining forces to showcase advanced drone platforms designed for real-world applications, built on American-made innovation and reliability

May 20, 2025
Iridium Introduces 9603 ESBD Module for Secure Government Messaging

Iridium Communications Inc. is launching a U.S. government-specific version of its 9603 module, featuring Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD) for secure, low-latency mobile messaging across global defense networks

May 20, 2025
Elistair Awarded Contract to Supply Tethered Drones for Greek Fire Service

Elistair has secured a contract to supply tethered drone systems for integration into Greece’s Mobile Operations Centers, enhancing disaster response capabilities

May 20, 2025
Sunhillo to Deliver Surveillance Data Fusion for BVLOS Test Bed

Sunhillo Corporation has joined ResilienX to support the SAFE-T initiative in Tulsa, delivering surveillance data solutions for autonomous aviation development

May 20, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.