Our future mining initiatives focus on the need to improve the effectiveness of our mining efforts in future joint expeditionary warfare scenarios based mostly in littoral or coastal areas.  Thus, within anticipated resource constraints, our current research and development programs concentrate on the following initiatives: 

·         Determining the signatures and damage-contour characteristics of priority targets, updating our databases to include this information, and developing mine settings and algorithms optimized against those targets. 

·         Formulating MIW planning software that incorporates accurate, comprehensive models of the characteristics and behaviors of mines, targets, and countermeasures.  This will enable us to make the most effective and efficient use of our limited mine resources across the full spectrum of mining operations. 

In addition to the above database/software projects, the mining community continues its efforts to fully develop, procure, and implement new mining hardware in the form of two new mine systems and an improved target detection device as outlined in the following paragraphs.

Our future mining initiatives focus on the need to improve the effectiveness of our mining efforts in future joint expeditionary warfare scenarios based mostly in littoral or coastal areas.  Thus, within anticipated resource constraints, our current research and development programs concentrate on the following initiatives: 

·         Determining the signatures and damage-contour characteristics of priority targets, updating our databases to include this information, and developing mine settings and algorithms optimized against those targets. 

·         Formulating MIW planning software that incorporates accurate, comprehensive models of the characteristics and behaviors of mines, targets, and countermeasures.  This will enable us to make the most effective and efficient use of our limited mine resources across the full spectrum of mining operations. 

In addition to the above database/software projects, the mining community continues its efforts to fully develop, procure, and implement new mining hardware in the form of two new mine systems and an improved target detection device as outlined in the following paragraphs.

The Improved Submarine Launched Mobile Mine (ISLMM, see next page) is based on converting existing Torpedoes Mk 48 into mobile mines.  It is a bottom mine designed to attack surface and submerged targets in shallow water depths.  The ISLMM features dual warheads to increase each submarine’s mine laying capacity and is designed for increased compatibility with the fire control systems aboard LOS ANGELES SSN-688, SEAWOLF SSN-21, and VIRGINIA NSSN-774 class submarines.  In addition, the ISLMM will have a multiple waypoint turn capability and a greater range than the present SLMM, which will significantly increase the accuracy and number of clandestinely delivered minefields that can be planted by each submarine. 

The ISLMM will be developed as a joint program utilizing the mine design expertise of the COASTSYSTA along with the propulsion (torpedo) expertise of NUWC’s Newport Division.  The ISLMM research and development program is scheduled to run from FY00-04, followed by a procurement phase and a tentative initial operational capability in FY05.

A mine’s target detection device (TDD) is the electronic component that observes changes in the underwater environment in order to detect enemy ships and/or submarines and decides whether they are close enough to damage via the mine’s blast effects.  Current bottom mines (QUICKSTRIKE and SLMM) utilize a TDD Mk 57, which is a magnetic/seismic-sensing device designed specifically for Cold War targets, such as large combatants and submarines on or near the surface.  QUICKSTRIKE Mines Mk 65 can also use the TDD Mk 58, which is a magnetic/seismic/pressure-sensing device. 

The new TDD Mk 71 will sense magnetic/seismic/pressure stimuli similar to the current TDD Mk 58.  While the TDD Mk 58 uses hard‑wired algorithms with programmable sensitivities, the new TDD Mk 71 will be fully programmable for different algorithms and sensitivities.  Its improvements are centered around three major areas of TDD development: 

·         Target influence sensors

·         Sensor signal processing and target logic

·         Timing and control logic 

The TDD Mk 71 is capable of responding to all known emerging threats such as quiet diesel‑electric submarines, mini‑submarines, fast patrol boats, and air cushioned vehicles through relatively simple software modifications.  Development of the TDD Mk 71 has been completed and the unit is approved for production beginning in FY01.  It is designed for use in all QUICKSTRIKE-series mines, the SLMM, or in both warheads of the ISLMM.

"Where We’ve Gone, No Fleet Goes"