Article

2004-05-06 Europe

U.S. Navy Loses Mini-Sub Off Norway Coast

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Steve White 2004-05-06 1:08:36 AM|| || Front Page|| [11131 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Hummmmmm? So Steve, is that really what minesweepers look like now? That is one odd looking, but also oddly effective looking, ship. Very strange. I know that I'm not a Navy guy, but still I thought I was pretty much up on things military....but obviously not in reference to the Navy.

Best Wishes,

Posted by Traveller 2004-05-06 1:19:17 AM|| 2004-05-06 1:19:17 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 Traveller, That looks like one of the high speed catamaran transports the USN is leasing from builder in Tasmania. Various version have beeen proposed including a mini aircraft carrier with V/Stol fighter/attack aircraft. Cool!

Posted by Aussie Mike 2004-05-06 3:59:04 AM|| 2004-05-06 3:59:04 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 I wonder if the mini-sub being tested is destined for the litoral combat ship.

Posted by Shipman 2004-05-06 7:39:55 AM|| 2004-05-06 7:39:55 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 WTS?!?
"I've gotten limited information from the U.S. Navy, and I can't confirm the use of dolphins," Knustad said.

Posted by Anonymous4021 2004-05-06 12:05:00 PM|| 2004-05-06 12:05:00 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 shipman may be on to something -- the litoral combat ship is supposedly stealth and half submerged...

does the USN still use mini-subs? outside of spec forces...

Posted by Dan 2004-05-06 4:39:17 PM|| 2004-05-06 4:39:17 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 The Navy has been working on a robot mini-sub to look for bottom hugging mines. I believe the catamran was to be the mothership.

Posted by Steve 2004-05-06 4:55:20 PM|| 2004-05-06 4:55:20 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 "...Battlespace Preparation Autonomous Underwater Vehicle..."

With a name like that, it exercised its autonomous ability and promptly committed suicide. Perhaps the nimrod that named it will follow suit.

Posted by Zpaz 2004-05-06 7:42:01 PM|| 2004-05-06 7:42:01 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 Ignore the name, if I were to make a list of military applications for autonomous robots, mine hunting/clearing would be number one. These things are intended to be disposable. Suicide robots anyone?

Posted by Phil_B 2004-05-06 8:55:55 PM|| 2004-05-06 8:55:55 PM|| Front Page Top

#9 I wonder if the mini-sub being tested is destined for the litoral combat ship.

Most likely. BTW, one of the LCS designs is or was similar to the 'Cat, but smaller.

Posted by Pappy 2004-05-06 9:13:20 PM|| 2004-05-06 9:13:20 PM|| Front Page Top