Modular Innovation: How NavyPods Could Revolutionize Mine Countermeasures in the Royal Navy

Introduction

The Royal Navy is facing a pressing need to find cost- effective solutions for mine countermeasures (MCM) and seabed survey operations, while also keeping up with the rapid pace of technological change and the full panoply of emerging threats. The use of autonomous and off-board systems has emerged as a promising approach, providing a means of efficiently gathering data and performing tasks while minimising the risk to personnel.

This article is focussed primarily on the utility, benefits, and potential challenges of developing the  capability for use, specifically, in Hunt-class MCMVs. The themes within the article argue the progression, rather than replacement, of MCM capability by augmenting emerging technology, such as AUVs and off-board systems, within the MCM effort. It is a proposal to review the current thinking away from a whole-sale replacement of the fleet’s existing MCMVs with MHC (Project Wilton), to a more finessed approach, which could be defined as Hybrid-MCM.

To this end, the concept of a platform-flexible, ‘podular’ (pod- based) solution for augmenting ships and other maritime assets with autonomous and off-board systems has been proposed. In particular, this article argues the case for the augmentation of NavyPods to Hunt MCMVs to improve the efficiency, portability, and speed of incorporating new systems and sensors into MCM and route survey operations. By providing a flexible and modular means of augmenting vessels with new technology, NavyPods could significantly enhance the capability and effectiveness of the Hunt-class MCMVs.

As such, it is essential that the concept of NavyPods is examined in-depth and an evaluation of its potential as a cost-effective solution for MCM and survey operations is made. The RN and its Allies should consider this approach as an enabler towards maintaining a competitive edge in the maritime battlespace.

Concept of NavyPods

The NavyPods concept involves adding modular containers to the deck of RN Hunt-class MCMVs. These containers, or pods, can be quickly and easily added or removed from the vessel, allowing for the rapid deployment of new systems and sensors. The pods could be designed to accommodate a range of systems and sensors, including uncrewed systems such as uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), as well as other sensor packages such as acoustic and magnetic sensors.

The Benefits of NavyPods

Efficiency: The ability to quickly and easily add or remove pods from the vessel allows for more efficient use of resources; instead of having to modify the vessel itself to accommodate new systems and sensors, the pods can be added as needed, reducing the time and cost of modification.

Portability: The pods can be easily transported by air or land, allowing for rapid deployment to different locations as needed.

Speed: The ability to rapidly add new systems and sensors to the vessel means that the vessel can be quickly adapted to emerging threats or changing operational requirements.

Flexibility: A primary argument in support of a pod-based solution is the increased flexibility it provides. Pods can be relatively easily installed on a variety of platforms. This flexibility allows for the rapid deployment of autonomous and off-board systems in a variety of scenarios, without requiring significant modifications to existing platforms. Additionally, pods can be quickly replaced or upgraded to accommodate changing mission requirements or technology advancements. The pods can be designed to accommodate a range of systems and sensors, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in MCM operations.

Modularity: Another advantage of pod-based solutions is their modularity. Pods can be designed to accommodate a variety of different systems, including uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and other specialized equipment used by special forces. This modularity allows for the use of specialised systems tailored to specific mission requirements, increasing the effectiveness of MCM and survey operations.

Safety: Pod-based solutions can also improve the safety and efficiency of operations. Autonomous and off-board systems can operate for extended periods without requiring rest, reducing the risk of human error due to fatigue. Additionally, these systems can operate in hazardous environments, such as minefields, limiting risk to human life.

Challenges and Considerations

The concept of NavyPods has several challenges that must be considered. One issue is the space limitations that could impact the operational capabilities of the vessel if the pods reduce available space for equipment and personnel. Another concern is the weight that the pods may add to the vessel, potentially affecting its speed and manoeuvrability. Furthermore, designing pods to integrate with existing systems and sensors could increase complexity and costs. Regular maintenance and servicing of pods would be necessary to ensure they remain operational, adding to the vessel’s maintenance requirements.

While pod-based solutions may have lower initial capital costs compared to dedicated uncrewed platforms, the capital and through-life investment required should be considered. The significant cost of designing, manufacturing, maintaining, and upgrading pods, as well as personnel training to operate and maintain the systems, must be factored in. Another potential drawback could be the limited space available within pods, which could restrict the size and capability of the installed systems, reducing their effectiveness in certain scenarios. The modularity of pods may also result in a lack of standardization, making it more challenging to ensure interoperability between ship’s systems.

Utility of Pod-Based augmentation to maritime assets

Despite the potential disadvantages, there are many examples of pod-based solutions already being successfully used to augment ships and other maritime assets. For example, the United States Navy’s (USN) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is equipped with mission modules that can be easily installed and removed to accommodate a variety of mission requirements. These modules include systems for mine countermeasures, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. The LCS can also carry and launch USVs, increasing the effectiveness of mine countermeasures and seabed survey operations.

In addition to the LCS, the RN has, in recent years, also explored the use of pod-based solutions. In 2018, the RN’s Maritime Autonomous System Trials Team (MASTT) conducted trials using pods to deploy and recover UUVs. The pods were installed on a variety of platforms, including a survey vessel, a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), and a USV. The trials demonstrated the flexibility and effectiveness of pod-based solutions for mine countermeasure and survey operations.

Case study: USN Mk18 UUV Detachment

The USN has, perhaps unsurprisingly, been at the forefront of the development and deployment of UUVs for mine countermeasures operations and seabed survey operations. The Mk18 UUV detachment, which employs a range of Hydroid-built Remus UUV variants, has been a key component of the USN’s capabilities in this area. In recent years, the USN has also employed Expeditionary Survey and Mine Countermeasure (ESAM) systems for launching and recovering Remus UUVs in the Arabian Gulf. The Mk18 Mod 2 UUV, also known as the Remus 100, made by Hydroid, is a lightweight UUV designed for shallow-water operations. This UUV can be equipped with a variety of sensors, including side-scan sonar and synthetic aperture sonar, which allow for high-resolution imaging of the seafloor. The UUV can also be equipped with a range of payloads, including acoustic and magnetic sensors, which can detect and locate underwater mines.

The Mk18 UUV detachment and ESAM system have proven effective in MCM and survey operations in the Arabian Gulf. The UUVs have been used to locate and identify underwater mines, as well as to survey the seafloor for potential hazards. The ESAM system has allowed for rapid deployment and recovery of UUVs, even in challenging conditions. The proven success of the combination of AUVS and ESAMs is a good indicator of the likely utility of a podular system within the Hunt MCMVs.

Hunt-class MCMV evolution (Hunt +)

The Hunt-class MCMV are designed to locate and neutralize sea mines using a variety of sensors and systems. However, the incorporation of new technologies and systems will inevitably enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. The use of modular, containerised systems, such as NavyPods, could provide a quick and relatively easy way to upgrade the vessel’s capabilities with new sensors and systems. The NavyPods could also be customized to meet specific operational requirements and are compatible with a range of vessels, including MCMVs and frigates.

In addition, the employment of hybrid mine countermeasures operations, which combine the strengths of different sensors and systems, will improve the overall effectiveness of MCM operations. For example, the integration of acoustic, magnetic, and pressure-sensitive sensors can increase the probability of detecting and neutralizing mines. The incorporation of uncrewed systems such as ROVs and UUVs can also enhance the safety of MCM operations by reducing (not replacing) the need for divers.

It is proposed that there will be a maintenance pod and a C2 pod to make up the full podular system. The C2 pod will be a bespoke, environmentally controlled Operations room, with capacity for two operators to undertake Post-Mission Analysis (PMA), while AUVs are simultaneously deployed and undertaking missions. The maintenance pod will be a storage, charging and maintenance bay for in-service and future AUVs, and ancillary equipment. It will be environmentally controlled and capable of housing multiple vehicles, facilitating sustained operations.

Moving forward to the present day; HMS Ledbury (Hunt-class MCMV) is forecast to depart re-fit later this year with the entirety of the legacy sweep gear removed (see Figure 2 below). While the formal contract has not been signed at the time of writing for MCM NavyPods to be fitted immediately, the Ledbury will have a significant amount of preparatory work completed, such as a new base plate fitted, and will be ready for eventual augmentation. Other considerations, such as power supply and communications, are also being factored in during the design process.

Magnetic Signature: The aspiration for the MCM NavyPods will most certainly be for low or even non- magnetic containers, in the longer-term. In the short term, however, to prove the concept, the QinetiQ designed demonstrator model to be trialled in Ledbury will be of standard steel (corten) construction, thus reducing costs and R&D. The ship will be magnetically ranged with the containers embarked and the Hunt de-gaussing system will actively reduce the signature; ensuring the ship is at the requisite readiness for national and contingency operations.

Data Collection: Incorporating off- board systems and UUVs into route survey and MCM missions will likely offer additional benefits to the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

Improved efficiency: Off- board systems and UUVs can quickly and efficiently gather data on the seabed and underwater environment, allowing for more efficient and accurate route survey.

Enhanced data quality: The use of UUVs and other off-board systems can result in higher quality data, as these systems can gather data in greater detail and accuracy than traditional methods.

Improved data analysis: The data collected by off-board systems and UUVs can be analysed using advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, to provide insights and patterns that may not be apparent with traditional methods. This can lead to more informed decision-making and improved mission planning.

Conclusions

It is evident that the addition of NavyPods to Hunt MCMVs presents a compelling opportunity to enhance the capability of these vessels and improve MCM mission/route survey data collection and analysis. The potential flexibility and versatility provided by pod-based solutions could significantly increase the efficiency, portability, and speed of integrating new systems and sensors, leading to more effective mine detection and neutralization.

Despite this, AUVs are not a panacea to what are complex and multi-faceted challenges for the MCM Commander. My own experience working with the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measure Group 1 (SNMCMG1) in HMS Hurworth in 2022 last year highlighted the continued relevance and effectiveness of a well-trained and experienced MCMV Task Group using traditional MCM techniques. HMS Hurworth and some other units within the SNMCMG1 TG were augmented with AUVs and tasked by the NATO Commander to conduct thorough analysis of the effectiveness of AUVs versus traditional MCM techniques and against a hybrid mode during the recent Robotic Experimentation and Maritime Uncrewed Systems 22 (REPMUS 22) exercise off Portugal. The data was surprising, following analysis, and all involved agreed that there was much further work required to build confidence, currency, and competence in AUVs as a full replacement for the current capability.

A feathered approach incorporating AUVs into present capability is strongly recommended as the optimal solution for expeditionary MCM tasking. Evidently, the global security situation has changed significantly over the past twelve months with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This clear question four moment should drive a re-think at the MOD in assessing the likely future ‘ask’ for the UKMCMFOR, when operating in a NATO construct.

The focus of NATO MCM efforts in the coming years will likely be focussed on the Black Sea and potentially the Baltic Sea region. It is anticipated that the RN will feature at the forefront of any clearance efforts within an integrated NATO TG. The potential benefits of pod-based solutions, as demonstrated in numerous examples cannot be ignored. The RN and its Allies must actively pursue the use of this innovative approach towards augmenting AUVs and off-board systems within the seabed warfare battlespace to maximise operational advantage.