Seatronics, a brand in Acteon’s Data and Robotics Division, has begun the final installation and commissioning phase in the first sale of two Mine Identification and Detonation Solutions (MIDS) to Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd, one of the world’s largest defence contractors. The MIDS is the first truly multi-shot, configurable mine disposal solution that can detonate multiple charges acoustically, using state-of-the-art technology, without having to sacrifice itself. The MIDS is currently the only vehicle of its size that can offer a multi-shot capable, multiple charge configuration solution that can be used repeatedly.
Elbit’s cutting-edge Seagull unmanned surface vehicle (USV) has been specifically designed to host a variety of MIDS-related solutions, one of which is the Seatronics MIDS. The Seagull USV is an ideal host platform for remote deployment of the Seatronics Mine Identification and Detonation Solutions (MIDS) remotely operated vehicle (ROV) using a custom launch and recovery system. The MIDS ROV can be deployed from the Seagull in fully autonomous, semi-autonomous or supervised autonomy operational mode, or operated via satellite link from the mother ship or any other remote location.
The Seatronics MIDS shares several design features with the company’s proven VALOR platform. The VALOR (Versatile and Lightweight Observation ROV) is the most powerful Observation ROV available in its class. With the highest payload and unrivalled power, it allows for a lower footprint and reduced costs. The versatility of VALOR is also limitless given the available bandwidth allowing the ROV to manage complex tooling and sensor packages. The VALOR has been deployed around the world and has successfully completed various scopes of work: UWILD, diver monitoring, scour assessment, anchor deployment and general visual inspections
The Seatronics MIDS includes a range of highly specific, leading-edge sensors, such as an advanced inertial navigation system and sonar and optics technologies, that are combined within an onboard object classification system that enables the MIDS to accurately detect and classify objects that may be threats. The target classification solution uses a variety of onboard sensory features that use machine learning and AI algorithms to determine whether to categorise seabed and floating items as potential mine or mine-like objects. This information is then seamlessly passed to the command centre, where the decision can be taken whether to neutralise or destroy the target.
