Helo tows mine-hunting UUV

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - For years, the Navy has swept the waters in various ways for mines. Now, they've even used an Mk-107 sled towed by a MH-53E helicopter. In February, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City’s "Dragon Master" air crew, scientists and engineers successfully deployed an Mk-18 Mod 2 underwater unmanned vehicle (UUV) from an MH-60S helicopter for a mine-sweeping deployment in St. Andrews Bay. The test flight and demonstration was a first of its kind, and it only took 18 minutes. "This was a perfect collaboration between government and industry," said Currie. Industry partner Concurrent Technologies/EVC – an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization - designed the UUV adapter device. In April, there will be water testing of the recovery device pierside in Panama City. Phase 2 flight testing is slated for the first quarter of FY 2018. (Source: Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City 03/05/17)