REPMUS 25: Deep Trekker integrates mine disruption and detection systems

Deep Trekker Revolution ROV at Exercise ‘Dynamic Messenger/REPMUS 25'. The Viper mine disruption system is deployed underneath the front of the ROV. (Janes/Neil Dee)

Canadian remotely operated vehicle (ROV) company Deep Trekker has integrated two mine warfare systems on its Revolution ROV at NATO's Exercise ‘Dynamic Messenger/REPMUS 25' (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems) in September. The company integrated an ECS Special Projects Viper MDS (mine disruption system) and Elwave Tetrapulse sensor for mine detection during the exercise.

Speaking to Janes by video call after ‘REPMUS 25', Brandon Cole, head of product management at Deep Trekker, said that the Viper MDS features a copper core and shaped explosive charge that can be placed on unexploded ordnance (UXO) by the ROV. The charge can be tele-detonated to penetrate the UXO at a safe distance. “It's designed specifically to have a low-order detonation,” Cole said, adding, “The idea is that it penetrates the UXO and in doing so it disables it.” The size of the charge can be adapted depending on the size and type of UXO. As some UXOs have thicker housings or shells, he said, “you would need to adjust the size of the charge to the UXO that you are trying to disrupt”. This would be determined by the disposal team.

A 3D-printed mock-up of the Viper MDS was initially tested at a Deep Trekker facility to verify that it could be integrated and that the ROV could still be controlled. The mock-up and subsequently a demo version of the Viper MDS were then trialled at ‘REPMUS 25'.