BAE Systems to supply COBRA mine detection prototype
BAE Systems will develop an advanced mine detection system prototype as part of the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) programme for the US Navy and Marine Corps. The company has been awarded a $20 million contract for the work.
The laser-based airborne system for COBRA will provide a 24-hour capability to detect mines and submerged obstacles in near-shore waters, helping ensure that troops can be transported safely from ship to shore.
BAE Systems' solution will utilise Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology which is similar to radar, but uses laser pulses instead of radio waves to determine the distance to an object or surface. LIDAR has the ability to collect images at a high resolution through the sea surface, allowing small underwater objects to be detected. The prototype system incorporates a fast-scanning laser, 3D imaging camera, and target recognition algorithms to locate and classify surface and underwater threats.
Reid Noguchi, general manager of BAE Systems Spectral Solutions, said: ‘This programme will help save lives, and to us there is no better reward than providing technology to help protect those who put themselves in harm’s way while serving our nation.
‘Having conducted extensive research and development in advanced sensors, airborne prototype systems, and sophisticated real time software, BAE Systems has worked closely with the Office of Naval Research to mature the technologies and capabilities to meet the navy’s mine countermeasures needs on an accelerated timeline.’
According to the company, the technology is being prototyped under Section 819 of the US National Defense Authorization Act.
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