ATLAS NA wins new SeaFox contract

ATLAS North America (ATLAS NA) will deliver the ATLAS Portable SeaFox Mine Neutralization Systems (PMNS) under a contract with the US Naval Surface Weapons Center (NSWC) announced on 15 October.

The system will address an urgent operational need from US Navy Central Command 'for a more effective mine countermeasures system'. The contract will see ATLAS NA deliver the SeaFox system, and well as carry out installation, integration, testing, training and life cycle support.

According to the company, once installed, the systems will augment the previous systems acquired by the US Navy (USN).  These systems include the Surface Mine Neutralization System (SMNS) presently being deployed as part of the ongoing MCM Ship Class upgrade, and the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) installed onboard the MH-53 helicopters.

The SeaFox is a fiber-optic guided, one shot mine disposal vehicle, used for semi-autonomous disposal of naval mines and other ordnance found at sea. It is able to automatically relocate previously acquired positions of underwater objects within minutes with the integrated homing sonar. After relocating, these objects can be identified using the onboard CCTV camera and destroyed by the use of a built-in, large caliber shaped charge.

It is deployable from a wide range of carrier platforms, including dedicated mine countermeasures (MCM) vessels, surface combatants, craft of opportunity, rubber boats and helicopters.

Sergio Diehl, president of ATLAS NA, said: ‘We are extremely pleased to once again have been selected to provide the SeaFox Mine Neutralization System to the US Navy and sailors operating in forward deployed areas, enabling them to more effectively and safely counter the mine warfare threat. It is an honour to provide undersea warfare systems for use by the US Navy.’

All deliveries are expected to be complete within 12 months.