Industry
MSPO 2015: CTM Presents The Systems That May Be Used By The Kormoran Vessel
CTM (Centre For Maritime Technology) presents the wireless TOCZEK explosives and light Modular Lightweight Minesweep - the devices required for the Kormoran II minehunter, during the MSPO 2015 event in Kielce.
Three Variants Of The TOCZEK Device
OBR CTM presented three basic variants of the remotely detonated TOCZEK explosive devices:
- A variant - the largest one - weighing 48 kilograms, containing 40 kilograms of the explosive - which is lowered down in the proximity of the mine with the use of the Ukwial submersible craft. The device is, above all, used to destroy the bottom mines, including the ones covered in the bottom material.
- B variant - weighing 10 kilograms, containing 5.7 kilograms of the explosive - placed close to the mines via a special-purpose arm of the Ukwial submersible craft. This arm makes it possible to manipulate the mine from a safe distance.
- C variant - the smallest one, weighing 3 kilograms, containing 0.56 kilograms of the explosive, carried by the divers and by the underwater craft, with the primary purpose of cutting the cable holding the moored mine in position.
Detonation of all of the above devices is initiated via a wireless connection, with the use of the encoded hydroacoustic signals. The signal generator developed by the OBR CTM facility is fitted with a special purpose emitter lowered into the water, which, thanks to its power output, makes it possible to reach the devices 400 to 800 meters away, at depths of up to 160 meters.
In order to present the effectiveness of the explosives, a fragment of a mine destroyed by the TOCZEK B device, was demonstrated during the MSPO 2015 event.
MLM Modular Minesweep
The second product offered for the Polish vessels comes in a form of light modular minesweep – MLM. Not only is the product well known in Poland (it received the “Amber Medal” [Bursztynowy Medalion] and MoD award during the Balt Military Expo 2014 event, as well as the “Innovative Maritime Economy” [Innowacyjna Gospodarka Morska] award in the “Innovative Product” category, awarded by the Ship Forum [Forum Okrętowe] Employers Group, in October 2014), it also has gained good reputation all around Europe. It was tested by the French Navy at a proving ground close to Brest.
MLM was demonstrated in Kielce in a form of a single magnetic actuator which is capable of simulating magnetic field in static or variable manner (within the frequency range of 50/60 Hz and harmonic frequencies of up to 250 Hz). The device is also capable of producing static and alternating electric fields (1-5 Hz).
The actuator constitutes a component of a larger MLM system, because in order to imitate full physical field of a vessel, one needs several modules of this type, along with an acoustic emitter. For example, during the Brest tests, MLM system was used in a configuration with three magnetic actuators and towed acoustic sweep.
Each of these elements may be controlled separately, according to an assumed pattern or adequately, depending on the circumstances. Control of the sweep’s operation and power supply is realized with the use of the cable-line which connects the sweep with the towing vessel. What’s interesting, a remotely controlled catamaran (“Sterren Du”) was utilized in order to tow the sweep, during the French test runs. The vessel has been constructed by the DCNS company.