Page 87 - Australian Defence Magazine May 2022

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SEAPOWER MINEHUNTING 87
that captures images and video that are geo-tagged for easy evaluation during post-mission analysis.
Additionally, integrated sensors collect data on water currents, temperature, salinity and turbidity, enhancing the AUVs’ ability to also undertake underwater surveys for harbour clearance or to map out a lane for an amphibious force beach landing.
Thanks to a collaboration with Sydney defence software engineering company Solutions from Silicon (SfS), sonar data garnered by Solstice can now be imported, processed and displayed in the most recent release of the SfS-devel- oped MINTACS (Mine Warfare Tactical Command Soft- ware) deployed by the RAN.
MINTACS provides the operator with the ability not only to read and display the Solstice data but also to mark mine- like objects of interest and process the images with its pow- erful onboard automatic target recognition capability.
Advanced algorithms are used to calculate mine clearance and threat. Inputs such as asset performance data can be selected from the database or entered directly into the tool.
The Tactical Display presents the backdrop of the hy- drographic and environmental data provided by the AUVs and vital to informed decision making. It also provides the developing tactical picture of the mine warfare operation.
Depending on the environment and tactical situation,
Rotinor Black Shadow high performance diving scooters are used by clearance divers to place detonation charges near mines. The detonation is initiated by the New Zea- land-manufactured MAS-Zengrange Command Initiation Detonation System.
Those two pieces of equipment still provide RAN clear- ance divers with the capability to enter a minefield, Thales’ Stephen explained.
Alternatively, the expendable ATLAS-Electronik Seafox mine neutralisation system, controlled via a fibre-optic ca- ble from one of the Seber support boats, would be utilised to destroy the target.
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