The Lockheed Martin Remote Minehunting System (RMS) also Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) is current semi-submersible (diesel only) but diesel + batteries could make it fully submersible for days (or maybe weeks).
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Lockheed Martin's Remote Minehunting System (RMS) using sonars and other sensors to find mines. (Diagram courtesy panzercho)
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One of the threats to America's all nuclear submarine service is not ASW forces but diesel propulsion. Worse still is a diesel powered semi-submersible that is being developed by, and for the surface navy! Here is a Lockheed Martin Remote Minehunting System (RMS) advert and a larger Lockheed Martin PDF.
Inefficient battery powered UUVs and battery SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) are not considered a threat.
US Littoral Combat Ships are increasingly testing the Lockheed Martin Remote Minehunting System (RMS) above. Its diesel is reliant on a snorkel making it only semi-submersible but if lead-acid or Lithium-ion batteires are also fitted it will be fully submersible for days (or maybe weeks).
The RMS is being held to a very high standard of scrutiny by some in the US Navy. While others argue. “What I think is lost in these discussions,” Guariniadded, “is that reliability is just one aspect of my performance requirements. Ultimately the system is finding mines. While we will work to improve reliability, the bottom line is that it does do what it was designed to do.”
Or does the RMS have chronic problems?
Or does the RMS have chronic problems?
Worse still Lockheed Martin is also referring to the RMS as a Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) which opens up non-minehunting functions like SEAL Delivery or multi-day manned reconnaissance missions in shallow water. Such missions cannot be done economically by 7,000+ ton SSNs.
The rapidly growing range of USVs and UUVs (like the diesel RMS).
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Pete