4 main weapons that help the US detect and neutralize mines
The US Navy possesses a variety of equipment to detect and neutralize mines, one of the most dangerous weapons for warships.
| Avenger-class minesweeper in Thailand in 2007. Video:US Navy |
Mines are one of the most serious threats to US naval operations, having damaged seven modern warships since 1988. The Pentagon has had to deploy various types of weapons to deal with this threat, according toWATM.
Avenger-class minesweeper
Since 1987, the US Navy has built 14 Avenger-class minesweepers, but three of them have been decommissioned or grounded.
The Averger's hull is made of wood covered with fiberglass, reducing weight, increasing strength, and ensuring there is no magnetism that could lead to mine activation. Each is equipped with the AN/SLQ-48 remote-controlled mine clearance system, allowing mines to be neutralized from a safe distance.
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USS Ardent, one of the Avenger-class ships, exercises near the Middle East in 2005. Photo:US Navy |
The AN/SLQ-48 is tasked with identifying and classifying mines using a high-frequency, high-resolution sonar system. The system is connected to the Avenger-class ship by a cable more than a kilometer long. Once the threat is identified, the minesweeper deploys the EX116 submersible vehicle, which is equipped with cable cutters and explosives to neutralize the mine.
MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter
The US Navy has operated about 30 MH-53E heavy-lift helicopters since the 1980s. This is considered a version with increased range and payload of the CH-53E Super Stallion model.
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MH-53E helicopter tested for mine clearance in 2013. Photo:US Navy |
The MH-53E is the largest helicopter in the West with a maximum range of over 1,400 km and a speed of nearly 280 km/h. Its main missions are mine clearance as well as transport for warships and aerial refueling.
To perform minesweeping missions, the MH-53E is equipped with the Mk 105 minesweeping system, ASQ-14 side sonar and Mk 103 mechanical minesweeper. It can take off from aircraft carriers or US Navy amphibious ships.
MH-60 helicopter
With 256 units in service, the MH-60 Sea Hawk multi-mission helicopter may have to take on the role of minesweeper after the MH-53E helicopter is retired by the US Navy in 2025. The MH-60 can operate well on aircraft carriers, amphibious ships or conventional warships.
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An MH-60 equipped with minesweeping equipment during a test flight in 2017. Photo:US Navy |
This helicopter has a maximum speed of 333 km/h and a range of nearly 400 km. When performing mine-clearing missions, the MH-60 is equipped with five systems including side sonar, acoustic and magnetic mine-sweeping equipment, remote-controlled torpedoes, laser mine-detecting sensors and a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon to detonate mines.
Littoral combat ship
The US Navy has commissioned 12 littoral combat ships (LCS) to replace the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates and Avenger-class minesweepers.
The minesweeping capabilities of LCS ships rely mainly on the accompanying MH-60 helicopter, as well as the anti-submarine weapon configuration depending on the mission. However, the LCS program is still controversial due to constant breakdowns and high costs. The US Navy has had to cut down on the construction of new LCS ships to prioritize the construction of new guided-missile frigates, limiting the anti-submarine and mine-sweeping capabilities of this force.
