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| Science & Technology |
| Attention Iran: Stealth underwater craft targets minefields |
| 2006-03-23 |
| An underwater craft that can seek out and destroy mines has been unveiled. The sub, dubbed Talisman, relies on computer software that allows it to complete its mission without being guided by an operator. Most mine-disposal missions rely on either human divers or small explosives dropped from a ship. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that are tethered to a boat on the surface by an umbilical cord are also used, but their cables restrict how far the craft can roam. Most of these options require the people involved to be within a few hundred metres of the mined area, which can put lives at risk. In contrast, Talisman can travel for kilometres on its own to reach a minefield. Whenever the craft is underwater, it relies on its autonomy software to navigate a course and avoid obstructions. Once it finds a target, the craft rises to the surface, communicates with an operator and waits for further instructions. It can then descend again and take out the mine with a miniature torpedo. |
| Posted by:Captain America |
| #3 Wonder if it has an alter-ego to ask, "How is itself today?". And to remind it, "Your not going to let them get away with that!" The trouble with A.E. Van Vogt verison was they were too paranoid to return to the surface. |
| Posted by: bruce 2006-03-23 20:31 |
| #2 I note they used "mine" in the singular. Instead of using a torpedo to take out the mines, having no real need for speed, they might instead carry and deploy a whole s-load of something like the guided toy submarines you would use in a backyard pool. Except packed with high explosive. The main craft would detect the mines, then send out these probes, perhaps guided by wire to their targets. There wouldn't be any "misses" with wire guidance. And if the mines didn't detonate on contact, a large corridor could be blown through the minefield at the same time--perhaps causing sympathetic detonations. It would also reduce the time the enemy knew their minefield had been tampered with, and try to replace the blown mines. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2006-03-23 20:19 |
| #1 of course, mining an international waterway is an act of war IIRC |
| Posted by: Frank G 2006-03-23 19:16 |