Mine Improvements

Abstract

FY 2025 decrease reflects the completion of QS-ER testing. Naval mines are used to deter or control adversary movements, including surface ships and submarines. Funding supports the capability to maintain effectiveness of mines facing new threat targets with increasing emphasis on major regional conflicts and great power competition. The three major project areas are: 1) Quickstrike (QS) Mod 3: QS MOD 3 improves effectiveness of existing mines against modern threats by using a programmable Target Detection Device (TDD) MK-71. QS MOD 3 utilizes modeling and analysis to improve target detection and response by developing optimized mine settings and firing algorithms. Minefield planning improvements include new targeting algorithms , mine settings, and corresponding damage data for weapon /target pairs into existing minefield planning software. 2) QS-ER: QS-ER adds GPS-guidance and glide flight gear to the (QS) series to reduce risk to delivery aircraft by introducing precision placement and mid-range standoff. Aerial delivery development efforts address capabilities required by a Joint Emergent Operational Needs Statement (JEONS). 3) Clandestine Delivered Mine: Clandestine Delivered Mine MK68 (CDM MOD 0) provides a required capability by converting legacy mining systems for delivery by Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUV) and/or surface platform in support of a JEONS. This capability allows access to contested environments and reduces risk by using unmanned platforms. Upgrades to CDM incorporate the programmable TDD MK-71, adds iterative command and control enhancements (MODs 1 and 2) through future upgrades for increased operational flexibility and safety for emplaced minefields. Additional efforts include transitioning an explosive section design into the CDM program that is in development under the Compact Encapsulated Effector (C- ENCAP) effort that is managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
0267_0604601N_5_1319_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers

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